RTX's Collins Aerospace offers solution for passengers with reduced mobility
Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, is set to unveil a new cabin solution for onboard wheelchair accommodation at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany. This innovation allows passengers with reduced mobility to remain in their wheelchairs during the flight, ensuring a more comfortable and dignified travel experience. The product is compatible with WC19 and ISO 7176-19 transport-certified powered wheelchairs and requires a simple restraint system installation at the front of a narrow body aircraft. The solution aims to simplify boarding and deplaning processes, reduce injury risks, and minimize mishandling of wheelchairs. It utilizes unused space without requiring seat removal or modification, allowing airlines to maintain existing passenger densities. Demonstrations will take place from May 28-30.
- Collins Aerospace introduces a unique solution for onboard wheelchair accommodation, enhancing travel comfort for passengers with reduced mobility.
- Compatible with WC19 and ISO 7176-19 transport-certified powered wheelchairs, offering extensive usability.
- Simplifies boarding and deplaning, reducing the risk of injury and instances of mishandled wheelchairs.
- Utilizes unused aircraft space without requiring seat removal or modification, maintaining existing passenger densities.
- Event demonstrations at the Aircraft Interiors Expo, May 28-30, could boost visibility and market interest.
- The necessity for installation of a restraint system might incur additional costs for airlines.
- Implementation and integration of new systems could lead to operational delays during the initial phase.
Travelers to board and remain in their wheelchairs during flight, offering greater comfort at an affordable cost to airlines
Implementation involves installation of a restraint system at the front of a narrow body aircraft to accommodate a wheelchair user. Restraining the wheelchair in place is simple and can easily be carried out by on-board crews without requiring assistance from maintenance staff.
"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," said Cynthia Muklevicz, vice president of customer and business development for Collins Aerospace. "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."
Boarding and deplaning are also simplified, not only reducing the risk of personal injury and discomfort associated with transporting individuals in and out of their wheelchairs, but also greatly reducing instances of mishandled wheelchairs during the check-in, handling and stowage processes. In recent tests at the National Institute of Aviation Research (NIAR) the boarding process with the Collins solution was shown to be akin to the average ground transportation experience – harmonizing the air travel experience with the typical accommodations found in other modes of transportation.
Installation of the Collins solution involves an integrated restraint system and seat belt attachments securing both wheelchair and passenger. The restraint system is stowed when not in use. The Collins solution utilizes unused space and does not require seat removal or modification, maintaining a consistent experience for all passengers and allowing airlines to operate with existing densities.
Demonstrations of Collins' integrated seating solution will be held during the Aircraft Interiors Exhibition, May 28-30.
About Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, is a leader in integrated and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Our 80,000 employees are dedicated to delivering future-focused technologies to advance sustainable and connected aviation, passenger safety and comfort, mission success, space exploration, and more.
About RTX
With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of
For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com
1 Based on current regulations and future modifications.
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SOURCE RTX
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