The latest United Airlines’ single-aisle Polaris cabin offers up a unique design to increase cabin density while maintaining space for passengers. But it also presents a challenge for those traveling in a wheelchair. A second patent associated with the seating concept addresses that issue.
accessibility
Korean Air plans mini-suites for 787-10, 777-300ER
Korean Air will introduce a new business class suite as part of the 787-10 induction, with service entry planned for November 2023.
DOT finalizes single-aisle accessible lavatory rules
Some new single-aisle aircraft will be required to have an accessible lavatory. While this is somewhat good news for accessibility on board, it remains limited, both in aircraft size covered and in timing.
Airline safety cards work, but you’re still not reading them
Behold the airline safety card, that humble piece of paper or plastic wedged unceremoniously into the seatback of every commercial airplane you’ve ever been on. When was the last time you picked it up and gave it a good browse?
Air4All, Delta Flight Products team for wheelchair seating on board
Air4All and Delta Flight Products (DFP) have cooperated to develop a prototype seat that allows powered wheelchair to remain in their own wheelchairs for the entire journey. Much work remains before it might take flight, but this is the most significant progress in accessibility travel in decades.
A renewed push for accessible toilets on single-aisle planes
More than 30 years after the US Department of Transportation required airlines to provide accessible lavatories on twin-aisle planes the agency might finally be ready to mandate similar on single-aisle aircraft. But even if the new rules take effect, the impact will not be felt for a long, long time.
Accessible Lavs and more wifi flying: The Weekly Wrap–10 July 2020
Improved wifi offerings from multiple vendors leads this edition of the Weekly Wrap, while an option for more accessible lav access is our feature interview. Plus lots more!
Airlines press back on accessible lavatory plans
Airlines are not keen to update the on-board lavatory experience to support passengers with reduced mobility, citing costs and limited options as part of the objections.
PR: Bluebox, Virgin Atlantic Launch Fleet-Wide Accessible IFE Platform for Passengers with Sight Loss
Inflight entertainment is now more accessible for those with visual impairment thanks to Virgin Atlantic and Bluebox. The pair teamed up to develop and deliver a new IFE interface fleet-wide, designed to allow passengers with sight loss to interact with the system independently. It is a huge step forward in accommodation for an industry that is often aggressive in not making progress on such fronts.