The design studio Priestmangoode presented a system that aims to democratize air travel for i passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). It's called Air 4 All and allows users to remain in their wheelchair for the entire flight, without any uncomfortable steps. The special developed design allows the airplane seat to hide inside the backrest, while a track and floor lock allow electric wheelchairs to position and lock in the area where the seat used to be.
PriestmanGoode states that the Air 4 All system is designed to be compatible with any type of aircraft seat and electric wheelchair. Currently, the system is designed to give flights the ability to convert front row seats, and for up to two wheelchairs per row. The simple and quick solution aims to make an aircraft totally usable by everyone: any place can accommodate a person sitting on the seat or a wheelchair.
Joint Venture for an “open” seat (and flight)
A consortium formed by Priestman Goodde, Flying Disabled e SWS Certification will work together with Sunrise Medical to determine suitable electric wheelchairs for flight. It will also be able to adapt and create new standards for electric wheelchairs, thus enabling passengers with disabilities to travel.
Air 4 All is the first system developed jointly by a design agency and a certification body, and with the contribution of the disabled community. With a world-leading wheelchair manufacturer and the subsidiary of a major airline on board to develop the seat, it is a truly collaborative project.
Chris Wood, founder of Flying Disabled
Paul Priestman, designer and president of PriestmanGoode, “the Air 4 All seat and system will usher in a step change in the industry and finally offer equal access to comfort, safety and dignity for all passengers. The biggest obstacle in the past was that giving more space to wheelchair passengers would reduce the number of seats. Not only that: it would have caused a loss of revenue for the airlines. Air 4 All solves this problem and has the added benefit of allowing airlines to maintain their cabin design on every seat. This will ensure brand consistency and a consistent brand experience for all passengers. This seat will facilitate a smoother boarding and disembarking experience for PRMs and will also significantly reduce the number of wheelchairs damaged by mishandling.”
Air 4 All has registered its own patent, and the first prototype of the Air 4 All seat is scheduled for December 2021. The consortium is looking for partners in the transport sector to develop the system. also for other modes of travel such as rail and underground.
