Collaboration unveils new seat prototype for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
The Air 4 All is set to bring dignity in air travel for everyone
Delta Flight Products (DFP) has debuted a full prototype of a first-of-its kind airplane seat that allows customers who use a powered wheelchair to remain in their own wheelchairs for the entire journey.
DFP has partnered with UK-based consortium Air4All on the seat, which converts a standard passenger seat to an accommodation for wheelchair restraint, and PriestmanGoode.
The patented design offers comfort and safety for all passengers by providing access to headrest, centre console tray tables and cocktail table that adjust to serve passengers with wheelchairs in place. The product also enables airlines to retain the design of their cabin on every seat.
Implementation of the seat will also facilitate a more seamless boarding and disembarking experience for PRM.
“Offering equal access to comfort, safety and dignity for all passengers has always been our objective for Air 4 All,” said Daniel MacInnes, Director of PriestmanGoode in a pre-show statement on May 31. “We want to see the PRM community enjoy the benefits of Air 4 All - hence the progress made through the new partnership with DFP is significant in bringing that closer.”
“DFP delivers highly engineered products and services to fill service gaps, solve operational challenges and transform the experience of customers and crewmembers,” said Rick Salanitri, President of Delta Flight Products in the same statement. “Air4All is collaborating with DFP and our strong production and manufacturing capabilities to explore new ways to deliver equal access to comfort, safety, and dignity for all customers. This patented design offers new possibilities for customers with disabilities to enjoy a travel experience they truly deserve.”
“An innovation like this in air travel provides those with reduced mobility a safe and comfortable way for them to travel and remain in their own power wheelchair,” said Chris Wood, Founder of Flying Disabled in the same statement. “It has taken truly a collaborative effort to develop this seat and we believe this product provides an optimal solution for all parties.”
Following the exhibition, the seat will be sent for final design and validation. Testing and certification programs to install the seat will begin once certified.
Delta Flight Products (DFP) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, which is committed to and has long engaged in a variety of initiatives to increase air travel accessibility while continuously innovating and evolving in this space. At Delta, this includes working closely with their long-standing Advisory Board on Disability in creating experiences pertaining to aircraft, airport renovations, procedures and more.
In a statement released during the show, Delta Air Lines added, “This product remains in its early development stages, with approximately 18 months of work and reviews ahead, but Delta will keep a keen eye on the progress of this concept being driven by our subsidiary as we are always looking for ways to improve the travel experience for all customers.”
