Arajet Becomes First Caribbean Airline to Adopt Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
The Dominican airline Arajet has officially announced its incorporation into the international Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. With this step, it becomes the first carrier in its country and the entire Caribbean region to implement this global initiative designed to transform the travel experience for individuals with non-visible disabilities.
A Badge for Inclusion: The Sunflower Lanyard
The core of this initiative lies in the use of the Sunflower Lanyard, a strap or cord featuring a sunflower design that serves as a discrete international symbol. This badge allows passengers to communicate non-verbally that they have a disability that is not immediately apparent and, therefore, may require:
- More time to complete airport or boarding processes.
- Additional support from ground and cabin crew.
- Understanding and patience during the various stages of their journey.
By wearing this symbol, the Arajet team can respectfully identify these travelers, optimizing every touchpoint from the check-in counter to the final destination.
Commitment to Accessibility and Empathy
The program’s implementation is not limited to the use of the lanyard; it involves in-depth staff training. The airline has trained its team to provide assistance based on empathy, offering clear guidance, more flexible procedural timings, and access to quiet spaces when the situation warrants.
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Ivanna Lajara, Vice President of Culture and HR Management at Arajet, highlighted that this alliance is a critical step in their corporate mission:
“At Arajet, we firmly believe that flying should be an accessible experience for everyone, without exception. This program allows us to continue advancing our purpose of democratizing the skies, always putting people at the center of everything we do.”
Leadership in Regional Aviation
The adoption of this program raises the standards of customer service within the Caribbean aviation sector. By joining this global network, Arajet positions itself alongside other international organizations seeking to build a more conscious and humane industry.
Flávia Cahu Callafange, Regional Director for Latin America of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, celebrated the airline’s leadership:
“Arajet’s initiative is an inspiring step toward a more inclusive and conscious aviation industry. We congratulate Arajet for leading with purpose and for being part of this global movement that transforms the way we travel.”
This strategic move reinforces Arajet’s organizational culture, centered on inclusion, and sets a precedent for other regional operators to adopt practices that ensure air transport is an accessible right for all users, regardless of their physical or cognitive conditions.
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