Delta Air Lines subsidiary Delta Flight Products next week will unveil a prototype economy cabin design that would allow flyers to remain in their own powered wheelchair.
The company will also unveil an accessible lavatory prototype as well as an upgraded version of its design to allow first-class flyers to remain in their own chair.
Meanwhile, engineering company Collins Aerospace will present its own cabin solution for onboard wheelchair accommodation next week.
Each of the unveilings will take place at the Aircraft Interiors Expo to be held in Hamburg, Germany, from May 28-30.
Delta Flight Products initially unveiled its wheelchair-accommodating first-class seat at the Expo last June. The convertible seat bottom folds against the seatback to make room for the wheelchair. The seat would be available for standard use when not booked by a wheelchair flyer.
This Delta prototype would allow first-class flyers to remain in their own powered wheelchair. Photo Credit: Delta Tech Ops
Delta Flight Products is partnering with U.K.-based Air4All Systems on the wheelchair-accommodating designs.
Delta said that since last year, the product has been modified based upon feedback gathered from wheelchair users.
Meanwhile, Delta said that its new solution for a wheelchair-accommodating economy seat “offers the same comforts and safety as the first-class version.” Like that version, the solution relies on a folding seat bottom so that it can be converted for ordinary use.
The accessible lavatory to be unveiled would be located at the front of the aircraft, near the boarding door. To provide easy access for a wheelchair, a fixed channel would be unlatched to create extra entry width.
The design would allow passengers with disabilities to access the sink from the toilet before transferring back into the wheelchair and also offers other touchless features.
In addition, Delta said, the lavatory lighting is designed to support individuals with limited vision.
Delta is exploring more accessible features, including a “smart mirror” that would display the text of PA announcements for the hearing-impaired as well as make use of braille or other touchable symbols for the vision-impaired.
The Collins Aerospace solution is a restraint system that could be deployed to hold powered wheelchairs in place at the front of the plane.
Delta’s lavatory prototype would offer a wide entryway for wheelchairs. Photo Credit: Delta Tech Ops
“Restraining the wheelchair in place is simple and can easily be carried out by onboard crews without requiring assistance from maintenance staff,” Collins said.
The system would be stowed when not in use.
Obtaining options for individuals to fly in their own wheelchair is a priority of disability advocates. In addition to providing more comfort for some individuals, remaining in one’s own chair would eliminate the potential for the chair to be damaged in the aircraft cargo hold and would reduce the chance of injury during boarding and deplaning. At present, flyers must transfer from their chair to an airline wheelchair to be transported on and off the plane.