Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, is showcasing design, functionality and passenger experience refinements to its Prime wheelchair seating solution at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, Germany this week.

Incorporating direct feedback from passengers with reduced mobility (PRM), airlines and technical advisors, the enhanced Prime solution utilizes a custom transformable monument to provide modern passenger amenities when PRM usage is required or a flexible crew service station when not.

The monument houses all the passenger amenities enjoyed by other travelers, including a height-adjustable tray table with integrated tablet holder, power outlets and passenger service unit with reading light, attendant call button and public address speaker, among other features.

"The feedback we've received has been invaluable and the driving force behind the design and experiential upgrades made to Prime over the last ten months," said Cynthia Muklevicz, vice president of customer and business development for Collins Aerospace. "The user experience is not only on par with flight amenities enjoyed by every other passenger, but further considerations were implemented to ensure emergency egress standards are met and a caregiver can occupy the seat directly next to the Prime user."

When in service mode, the Prime solution deploys to provide crews with additional service space, room below to store a half-sized trolley cart and additional stowage space inside the monument itself. Once service concludes, the monument easily converts into a passenger self-service station, capable of holding snacks and beverages.

Functional design of the solution was carefully considered, ensuring simplified boarding and deplaning for electric wheelchair users, ease of use for cabin crews and no loss of seat count for airlines.

First unveiled at AIX in 2024, the Collins solution enables electric wheelchair users to remain comfortably seated in their wheelchairs throughout flight. Electric wheelchairs are secured to the aircraft utilizing an industry standard "roll on, lock down" tie-down system commonly found in many ground transportation systems, ensuring user familiarity, personal safety and convenience. Customer demonstrations of Prime are being held this week at AIX 2025.

 

Source: prnewswire.com

 

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