Delta Airlines is paving the way for more accessible air travel with a unique seating prototype that would avoid wheelchair users having to move out of their chair and into a plane seat. Designed to be convertible, the built-in plane seats fold up so a power wheelchair can be safely secured. They also work with current seat tracking systems, so the plane's structure doesn't need to change, according to CNN.
Wheelchair user and frequent traveler Cory Lee told CNN he was 'unbelievably excited' when he saw a demonstration of the design at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany, an event where companies show off new plane cabin features. Lee said current airplane designs typically don't work for powered chairs, which forces him to use non-electric ones and depend on staff to help him get into his plane seat. Electric Folding Wheelchairs
“During those transfers, I’ve nearly been dropped on several occasions,” Lee told CNN.
Air travelers who use motorized wheelchairs have also faced difficulties after getting off the flight. According to an April report from the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, U.S. airlines mishandled more than 11,000 wheelchairs and scooters last year in plane cargo areas.
Delta’s new concept follows repeated calls to make air travel more accessible. “No other form of transportation — trains, buses, boats — forces you to give up your mobility device when you board,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said last summer, according to the Washington Post.
Light Weight Electric Wheelchairs The concept is still in its prototype stage, with hopes it will become a reality for commercial use within 18 months, subject to it passing testing and getting buy-in from other airlines.