DELTA Airlines improves air travel for wheelchair users creating a new first

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

In an attempt to ameliorate the travel experience for wheelchair users, Delta Airlines and Air4All have developed a cabin concept that allows wheelchair users to fly in their own chairs.

This flexible aircraft seat design is intended to enable customers who use a powered wheelchair to remain in their own wheelchairs for the entire journey.

The prototype design follows its cues from the foldable chairs found in cinemas but with metal legs.

When folding it up, all the parts of the legs get inserted and concealed into the bottom part of the chair to save space and make way for an unobstructed shape.

The powered wheelchair then is positioned until it locks up through the latch-like system attached to the cabin's floor.

The lock-and-go mechanism makes it easier for the users to attach and detach their wheelchairs on and off the cabin.

According to an Air 4 All, the patented seat has several pieces that allow it to convert into a wheelchair-accessible position.

The company says the design does not eliminate seat perks and will still offer passengers access to a headrest, center console tray tables, and a cocktail table.

Project: Foldable seat for wheelchairsDesigners: Delta Flight Products, Delta Air Lines and Air4AllPartners: PriestmanGoode, Flying Disabled, and Sunrise Medical