Travelers to board and remain in their wheelchairs during
flight, offering greater comfort at an affordable cost to
airlines
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., May 20, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business will
unveil its cabin solution for onboard wheelchair accommodation next
week at the annual Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany. The Collins product is
compatible with most WC19 and ISO 7176-19 transport-certified
powered wheelchair devices, allowing passengers with reduced
mobility (PRM) an inflight experience more equivalent to that of
able-bodied passengers.
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 $69
billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
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