Airchair II
A new folding-frame transport wheelchair is now available for use on airplanes in the United States.
The Airchair II, launched in mid August, is constructed of high-strength aluminum alloy and features antimicrobial powder coating on the frame. It has a 550-lb. (250-kg) weight capacity while weighing just 15 lbs. (6.8 kg) itself. The wheelchair’s rear casters can be set for 360 degrees of rotation, can be fixed in forward/backward orientation, or can be set as push-on/push-off brakes to lock the wheels. The front casters rotate and lock.
The transport chair also features a fold-down footplate with a non-slip surface and straps to secure the passenger’s feet. The retracting back support is operated by push bar to facilitate transfers. The seat and back are made of fire-retardant, wipe-clean recycled leather.
The chair is available in 14-inch and 15-inch seat widths and comes with a storage bag.
Airchair, founded in 2007 and based in West Sussex, U.K., said the new model was designed to meet U.S. Department of Transportation regulation 14 CFR Part 382.65.
“With accessible travel for all a key focus for legislators and governments around the world, the U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a final ruling to amend the Air Carrier Access Act regulation to improve the accessibility of lavatories on single-aisle aircraft for passengers with reduced mobility,” Airchair said in an Aug. 18 press release. “A critical element of this new ruling is that all U.S. airlines and all foreign airlines flying long-range, narrow-body aircraft to or from the United States must, by October 2026, comply with specific requirements regarding the design and technical aspects of onboard wheelchairs.”
“Airchair II demonstrates not just our design and manufacturing capability, but also our understanding of the issues affecting both reduced mobility passengers and the airlines,” said Airchair Business Development Director Sarah McOnie. “In a really challenging commercial environment, airlines need to ensure that any solution meets their space and weight requirements, and the Airchair II does just that.”
Image courtesy Airchair.
