Collins Aerospace will unveil its cabin solution for onboard wheelchair accommodation at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany.
The unnamed product is compatible with most WC19 and ISO 7176-19 transport-certified powered wheelchair devices, allowing passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) an in-flight experience equivalent to able-bodied passengers.
“Enabling motorised wheelchair users to remain in their chair is imperative to providing a more equitable and dignified air travel experience to the millions of people who rely on personal mobility devices in their everyday lives,” said Cynthia Muklevicz, Vice President of Customer and Business Development for Collins Aerospace.
“We’re confident this certifiable solution1 will help eliminate barriers, opening greater possibilities to a wider population to more conveniently experience the excitement and necessity of air travel,” she added.
Boarding and deplaning are also simplified with this solution, reducing risk and discomfort associated with transporting individuals, and reducing the mishandling of wheelchairs during check-in, handling and stowage.
According to Collins, the solution is designed to be implemented in a narrowbody aircraft and will have an integrated restraint system and seat belt attachments securing both wheelchair and passenger. It will use unused space and doesn’t require seat removal or modification, crucially allowing airlines to operate with existing densities.
Demonstrations of this seating solution will be held throughout Aircraft Interiors Exhibition, May 28-30.
