EP 4: Jason Birnbaum, Chief Information Officer at United Airlines

In the fourth episode of the podcast collaboration between Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind and accessiBe, we had the pleasure of speaking with Jason Birnbaum, Chief Information Officer of United Airlines. Jason’s passion for technology began at an early age and his career has been driven by a desire to facilitate change and enhance user experiences.

Jason discusses the exciting advancements at United Airlines aimed at providing better information and support for travelers with disabilities. He highlights initiatives such as leveraging generative AI in applications, adding Braille to aircraft, and enhancing the mobile app for improved accessibility. He also shares the importance of gathering feedback, including insights from customer surveys and United's Employee Resource Group, BRIDGE.

Jason also shares anecdotes about hands-on initiatives, including a collaborative day at Washington Dulles Airport to better understand the travel experience for wheelchair users. This direct engagement led to impactful changes in how United approaches accessibility and underscores the importance of collaboration to address the complexities of air travel to create a more inclusive travel experience.