Delta Air Lines subsidiary Delta Flight Products recently launched a groundbreaking economy cabin seat enhancement prototype that allows disabled passengers to remain in their powered wheelchairs.
This announcement comes after the introduction of a first-class version of the seat last year. The airline also announced an accessible lavatory model, which will fit an onboard wheelchair and up to two attendants.
Developing these designs will ensure a more dignified and seamless experience for wheelchaired passengers while also reducing the risk of wheelchairs being damaged in the cargo hold and minimizing the chance of injury during boarding and deplaning.
The innovative seat design will be placed in the front row and features a convertible seat bottom that folds against the seatback to create space for a wheelchair and can be used as a standard seat when not booked by a wheelchair user.
The accessible lavatory prototype will be located at the front of the aircraft near the boarding door and feature a wall divider that can unlatch and slide to the side to create extra entry width for easy access for wheelchairs.
The design also includes touchless features and a layout that enables disabled passengers to access the sink from the toilet before transferring back into their wheelchairs. Additionally, the new lavatory lighting is designed to assist individuals with limited vision.
Delta Air Lines is exploring further accessible features, such as a "smart mirror" that displays the text of PA announcements for hearing-impaired passengers and incorporates braille or other touchable symbols for vision-impaired passengers.
