Guide dog education for air passengers

China Southern Airlines recently hosted a guide-dog-themed event aboard a flight from Dalian, Liaoning province, to Guangzhou, Guangdong province. Guide dog trainers were invited to educate passengers on assisting the visually impaired, fostering greater acceptance of traveling with guide dogs.

Inside the cabin, decorated with themed posters and stickers, flight attendants spoke about the airline's connection with guide dogs and a related volunteer service program it has launched. A staff member from a guide dog center shared details of guide dog training and how they assist the visually impaired.

A passenger surnamed Li said: "The event made me realize that small acts of kindness can accumulate into a significant positive force. China Southern Airlines has not only offered us convenient flights but also built a bridge in our hearts, giving us the opportunity to pass on this love to those in need."

The airline's involvement with guide dogs dates back to May 2007 when its Dalian branch transported a guide dog named Shasha, accompanied by its trainer, from Dalian to Kunming, Yunnan province, for the opening ceremony of the seventh National Games for Persons with Disabilities.

Unlike previous arrangements where guide dogs were placed in cargo holds, Shasha traveled in the passenger cabin with its trainer. This marked a milestone in accommodating guide dogs in passenger cabins on the Chinese mainland, according to the airline.

In December 2007, the Dalian branch flew Ping Yali, a visually impaired athlete and torchbearer for the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, along with her guide dog, from Dalian to Beijing.

Recognizing the necessity and feasibility of guide dogs traveling in passenger cabins, the Dalian branch initiated a volunteer service program in January 2012 to support the cause, following extensive research on their needs.

Over the past 12 years, program volunteers have offered diverse services, such as volunteering at guide dog centers, donating supplies, providing aircraft simulators for guide dogs, taking guide dogs to experience barrier-free travel at Beijing Daxing International Airport, and conducting live broadcasts to educate the public on traveling with guide dogs.

This year, the Dalian branch established a work group and formulated guidelines to enhance its one-stop service for passengers traveling with guide dogs. A dedicated service channel for these passengers has also been set up.

From January to early December, the Dalian branch had served 3,326 passengers with disabilities, including visually impaired travelers and wheelchair users.

Jiang Zhongjie contributed to this story.