Universal Design for Advancing All People’s Comfort in Air Travel

Constant efforts have been made to create a barrier-free and accessible society. In recent years, values such as diversity and inclusion have gained widespread recognition, accelerating the movement towards building a better society where diverse people, including those with disabilities and older people, can fully enjoy comfortable lives with greater confidence.

While the introduction of accessible equipment and systems is progressing in public facilities and public transportation on the ground, similar progress is limited in air passenger transportation. Air passengers are still required to endure physical and psychological burden during flights due to the confined space and unique environment.

JAXA addresses research and development with regard to “Universal design for advancing all people’s comfort in air travel,” with the objective of relieving burdens and creating a comfortable experience for all people, including those with disabilities, older people, children, and even cabin crew. This study aims to address all aspects of air travel, from ticket reservation and boarding through disembarking to leaving the airport.

Solution proposal for advancing all people’s comfort in air travel

JAXA proposes solutions in terms of equipment and systems which enables burdenless and comfortable air travel experience for all people (*1) and in all aspects (*2). Initially, we conducted surveys to identify problems and troubles faced by airplane users. Then, we discussed ideas for equipment and systems that would solve those issues. Subsequently, specific and effective solutions were developed through feasibility discussions, taking into consideration technical, safety, and operational perspectives.

(*1) All people: able-bodied people (common issues), people with reduced mobilities, people with illnesses/injuries/internal disorders, wheelchair users, stretcher users, people with visual impairments, people with hearing impairments, and more. This also includes people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, people with mental disorders, older people, pregnant women/children/children with disabilities, people with food allergies, people with large physiques, cabin crew/ground staff.

(*2) All aspects: Ticket reservation, airport experiences, from boarding to taking off, drink/meal service, seatbelt signage, lavatory use/aisle movement, sleeping, IFE (in-flight entertainment), in-flight experience other than sleeping and IFE, preparation before landing, from seatbelt sign on to landing, and from disembarking to leaving airport.

Accomplishments

A feasibility study report on aviation technology for health, welfare and accessibility, JAXA-RM-22-001 (in Japanese)

A preliminary survey report to realize accessible airplane use for people with reduced mobility, JAXA-RM-23-001 (in Japanese)

The 30 Solutions for advancing all people’s comfort in air travel (PDF)

Accomplishments collaborated with JAMCO Corporation

JAMCO‘s CABIN OF THE FUTURE @ AIX2023

Research and development for realizing “use of wheelchairs during boarding and flights”

One of the leading solutions for achieving all people’s comfort in air travel is to enable the use of wheelchair throughout the journey. This approach can address numerous challenges faced by wheelchair users. There is no need for them to transfer to cabin seats, alleviating a burden for both passengers and caretakers. Bringing their own wheelchairs, designed to each user’s body, allows them to keep a comfortable posture throughout the flight. Additionally, there is no need for them to check-in their own wheelchairs, eliminating concerns about damage or loss. From the viewpoint of wheelchair users, the use of privately-owned wheelchairs throughout the flight is more desirable. However, this has not been realized because using wheelchairs as cabin seats during the flights requires certification for aircraft equipment based on aviation safety regulations.

JAXA is firstly developing a “detachable wheelchair-like aircraft seat” as aircraft equipment, considering it a feasible approach in the current situation to comply with the regulations. Key elements for technological development include design, securement methods, structural strength, and fire protection. The first phase of the study, focusing on the structural strength and securement methods, has been started.

Nov 24, 2023