We not too long ago reported on a prototype seat from Air4All that will permit wheelchair customers to fly of their chairs. Whereas the Air4All prototype is essentially the most developed, there are a selection of different progressive methods now within the works to permit wheelchair customers to journey in their very own wheelchairs on industrial plane.

Freedom Seat:

Colorado-based Molon Labe Seating designed an aisle-side seat that may slide over to create an area for a wheelchair person to park their chair and lock down. I had the chance to check the Freedom Seat in a mockup feasibility research on the Boeing 737 Configuration Studio in Renton, Washington, in July 2021. After some exact driving and a few makes an attempt, I used to be in a position to again into a serious provider’s present cabin configuration unimpeded and dock right into a Q’STRAINT QLK private docking system mounted to a chunk of plywood within the vacant house beneath.

Fly Your Wheels Suite:

Collins Aerospace teamed up with researchers and college students on the Nationwide Institute for Aviation Analysis at Wichita State College to develop an idea that reengineers the cabin’s entrance closet right into a multipurpose module that may operate as a protected parking berth for a wheelchair person in-flight. This design generated important buzz final yr as a result of it successfully provides one other paying buyer with out the necessity for drastic modifications to present in-cabin seating. The Fly Your Wheels Suite was shortlisted for a 2022 Crystal Cabin Award, together with the Air4All seat.

Air4All:

Delta-subsidiary Delta Flight Merchandise’ prototype is by far essentially the most fleshed-out public idea. It options novel lodging for adjustable armrests, and tray tables that may be personalized to a wheelchair-user’s peak wants. Just like the Freedom Seat, Air4All’s authentic design included the Q’STRAINT QLK docking system, however each have switched to the Q’STRAINT ONE retractable tie-down system as showcased at Plane Interiors Expo 2023 to permit for extra common entry for every type of wheelchairs.

Molon Labe CEO Hank Scott sees the continuing work as a collective workforce effort quite than a contest. “The discharge by Chris and the DFP of us of their design not too long ago has given the thought of flying wheelchairs an actual increase to the momentum,” he says. “This motion is extra about collaborating and providing a worldwide resolution. Now we have an intention … and we’ll obtain [it] along with these advocates, companions and airways.”