Then the budget airline refused to allow two disabled television presenters to board a flight because they were not accompanied by a helper.

The airline has since apologised for that incident, but is still insisting on limiting the number of disabled travellers on each flight to two.

Fiona Pickering, the chief exuecitve of Paralympic New Zealand, told TV ONE's Close Up that they have been in discussions with the airline.

The airline would not appear on the programme, but Pickering said that it has advised her that the restriction is due to "operational reasons".

Pickering added that the airline is interested in working with Paralympics NZ and other interest groups to meet the needs of disabled people within their current policy.

Jetstar is the only airline operating in New Zealand to restrict the number of wheelchair bound travellers.

Human Rights Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan said that the law in this respect is very clear.

"Anyone who provides a good or service to the public in New Zealand has to do it in a way that takes account of the requirements of disabled people unless it would be unreasonable to do so, or unless there is a potential harm to the person," she said.

Pickering said that Paralympics had considered·boycotting the airline , but they are taking a different approach.

"We actually want to work with them to affect policy change to ensure that any disabled person can have equal opportunity, accessibility and cheap rates," she said.


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