To improve service for elderly and physically handicapped travelers, Japan Airlines is assigning 290 qualified caring staff at 42 airports in Japan.

The assigned staff will carry the qualification of 'Service Care-fitter', which is certified by a Japanese non-profit organization, the Nippon Care-fit Service Association. JAL has made a tie-up with the association and started training of airport staff throughout Japan in January 2006 so that they can receive this qualification.

Up to now, 290 airport staff have completed a correspondence course sponsored by the association and have spent two days of practical training to pass the Service Care-fitter Class 2 examination. These staff are being assigned to airports throughout Japan.

English-speaking staff stationed at Narita, Kansai, Nagoya (Chubu) and Fukuoka airports who have acquired the 'Service Care-fitter' qualification will be able to attend to the needs of international passengers visiting Japan.

JAL Service Care-fitters will wear JAL original Service Care-fitter badges so that customers can identify them easily if they have need of their services.

Service Care-fitters will play a central role in passing on the philosophy and skills of Service Care-fitters to other, unqualified airport staff. In FY2007 JAL will train another 50 airport staff.

This new service is in line with JAL's policy of providing safety and service quality of the highest standards, based on the Universal Design concept.

Universal design, which is related to "inclusive design" and "design for all," is an approach to the design of products, services and environments to be usable by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability or situation. Its importance has been recognized by governments, business and industry.