Collins Aerospace, an RTX business and a leader in integrated and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry, is set to reveal its onboard wheelchair accommodation solution at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany next week, the company said in a recent press release.
This product from Collins is designed to work with most powered wheelchairs certified under WC19 and ISO 7176-19 transport standards, providing passengers with reduced mobility a flight experience more comparable to that of able-bodied travelers, the press release said.
It noted that the implementation process entails installing a restraint system at the front of narrow-body aircraft to accommodate wheelchair users. Securing the wheelchair in place is straightforward and can be easily performed by onboard crews without needing assistance from maintenance personnel.
Cynthia Muklevicz, vice president of customer and business development for Collins Aerospace, said “Enabling motorized 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.”
“Innovating solutions that enhance the inflight and cabin experience is fundamental to the mission of Collins. 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,” Muklevicz was quoted as saying by the company statement.
The process of boarding and deplaning is also streamlined, not only decreasing the likelihood of personal injury and discomfort linked to transferring individuals in and out of their wheelchairs but also significantly minimizing instances of mishandled wheelchairs during check-in, handling, and storage procedures. Recent trials conducted at the National Institute of Aviation Research (NIAR) demonstrated that the boarding process with the Collins solution resembled the typical experience of ground transportation, aligning the air travel experience with the standard accommodations seen in other modes of transportation.
Collins will be showcasing demonstrations of its integrated seating solution at the Aircraft Interiors Exhibition from May 28th to May 30th.
