Delta and Collins Aerospace Race Toward Onboard Wheelchair Securement

The Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany, has long been a major event for showcasing advances in aircraft cabin design and, more recently, innovations in cabin accessibility. This year, Delta Flight Products and Collins Aerospace, two major players in the aviation industry, introduced innovative wheelchair safety solutions that aim to revolutionize the flight experience for disabled passengers.

Delta Air4All: Improved Accessibility in Premium and Economy Classes

Delta Flight Products, a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, returned to the show with major updates to its Air4All wheelchair safety system, which debuted in 2023. The second version of the Air4All prototype features several improvements aimed at accommodating a broader range of wheelchair. The restraint area has been expanded by 3.5 inches and the seat frame surrounding the restraint area has been redesigned, allowing for better fit and greater use of essential wheelchair functions such as tilt and recline. . This change aims to ensure greater comfort during flights, especially for passengers using complex electric wheelchairs.

Additionally, DFP unveiled an economy class version of the Air4All prototype designed for single-class airlines such as Southwest and Frontier. The economy version features a 36-inch-wide safety area created by folding down the two seats closest to the aisle. It is compatible with almost all manual and electric wheelchairs. When not in use, the area functions as a standard row of three economy seats, offering airlines flexibility.

DFP also presented an innovative concept for an accessible bathroom designed for single-aisle aircraft. This bathroom exceeds the Department of Transportation’s minimum standards and provides enough space for one passenger and two attendants. Notable features include an overhead grab bar for easy transfers and touchless controls for various bathroom functions, such as lifting the toilet lid and activating the water faucet. This design aims to meet the needs of all travelers, including families and plus-size passengers, highlighting Delta’s vision of inclusive air travel.

Collins Aerospace: a new contender in the race for accessibility

Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation, has entered the race with its own wheelchair safety prototype. Presented at the exhibition in a mock-up of the Boeing 737, Collins’ design reclaims space currently used for closets or partitions, potentially eliminating the need for a dedicated closet for storing wheelchairs. This approach allows the wheelchair restraint area to fit seamlessly into existing cabin designs with minimal modifications.

One of the unique aspects of the Collins prototype is the greater freedom of movement it offers to power wheelchair users. By locating the restraint space away from adjacent seats and accessories, wheelchair users can use the tilt and recline functions more freely, which is essential for comfort and pressure relief during flights.

Collins’ solution partially integrates wheelchair users into the cabin, distancing them from other passengers. This could pose challenges for travelers with complex medical needs who require onboard assistance from companions or personal care attendants.

The competitive landscape and future prospects

The competition between Delta Flight Products and Collins Aerospace underscores the growing urgency to improve the accessibility of air travel. Both companies are working to finalize their designs and obtain certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (Delta’s application is already submitted) with the goal of installing these systems on commercial aircraft as soon as possible. The race is on to see which enterprise solution will take off first and achieve a significant milestone in the quest for equal access to the skies. As both companies continue to refine their prototypes and navigate regulatory hurdles, the prospect of a more accessible future in air travel looks promising.