Enhanced Travel Convenience for Wheelchair Users Announced by Collins Aerospace
In a significant stride towards inclusivity in aviation, Collins Aerospace has revealed an advanced version of its Prime concept at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2025. The Prime concept is an innovative, individually adjustable cabin component designed to cater to the needs of wheelchair users.
The standalone cabin component houses numerous amenities, making the travel experience as comfortable as possible for wheelchair users. These include a height-adjustable table, power outlets, and a passenger service unit equipped with a reading light, call button for cabin crew, and speakers.
The passenger service unit also serves as a modular service station for the crew when needed. Once service is complete, it can be easily converted into a self-service station for passengers. The Prime solution is designed to avoid seat loss for airlines and simplify boarding and disembarking for electric wheelchair users.
Cynthia Muklevicz, Vice President of Customer and Business Development at Collins Aerospace, stated that the feedback received was invaluable and drove design improvements. She emphasised that the Prime concept aims to provide an experience on par with the comforts enjoyed by other passengers.
Wolfgang Borgmann, a journalist for 30 years and an editor at AERO INTERNATIONAL since February 2022, primarily covers the Industry & Technology section. His lifelong passion for aviation stems from his parents, who were both airline employees. Before joining AERO INTERNATIONAL, Borgmann worked as a freelance journalist and author for 22 years, having completed a traineeship and held permanent positions. He has also published 32 books in German and English on the history of aviation.
Thomas Enders, who has worked at AERO INTERNATIONAL since February 2022, also reports in the Industry & Technology section.
The Collins solution, first introduced at AIX in 2024, allows electric wheelchair users to sit comfortably in their wheelchairs throughout the entire flight. The solution is designed to ease operation for cabin crew, with electric wheelchairs being secured to the aircraft using an industry-standard "roll on, lock down" system found in many ground transport systems.
The Prime concept is designed to meet emergency exit standards and accommodate a caregiver next to the wheelchair user. It can also be extended to provide additional service space for the crew, room for a half-sized trolley, and additional storage.
This development is a testament to Collins Aerospace's commitment to making air travel more accessible for all passengers. The Prime concept not only improves the travel experience for wheelchair users but also simplifies operations for cabin crew and maintains the comfort levels expected by all passengers.
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