ANA lavs to get hands-free doors
ANA will first install the hands-free door on domestic routes
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has partnered with JAMCO Corporation to develop a hands-free door that allows easy access to lavatories on its aircraft. The first hands-free doors will be introduced to domestic flights starting May 1.
“Guided by the principles of ANA Care Promise, we have continued to invest in the development and implementation of innovative technologies because the health and safety of passengers and our staff is the top priority,” said Shinichi Inoue, Senior Executive Vice President, Customer Experience Management and Planning, in today’s announcement. “The hands-free lavatory door is the latest example of us putting this principle into practice as we look for ways to make the travel experience safer and more convenient.”
The door is equipped with a large inner door locking knob and an additional handle so that passengers can use their elbows to unlock the door. Because the door mechanism is different to those found on other aircraft, signage has been placed near the lavatory to provide operational instructions.
The hands-free lavatory will be installed on 11 787-8 aircraft, two 787-9 aircraft, and eight 777-200. The initial installation will be for aircrafts serving domestic routes, while ANA hopes to introduce the system to all domestic and international aircraft in the future.
