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

Proposal of “The 30 Solutions for Advancing All People’s Comfort in Air Travel”

JAXA proposes 30 solutions to achieve a society where everyone, including people with disabilities, older people, children, and even cabin crew, can benefit from universal design for advancing all people’s comfort in air travel.

These solutions we propose here mainly focuses on equipment and systems for air transportation and are currently in the conceptual design phase. With this proposal as a starting point, JAXA aims to promote the implementation of "Universal Design for Advancing All People’s Comfort in Air Travel” into society.

30 Proposed Solutions

• No.01: Database for Carry-On Equipment into Airplane
• No.02: Special Assistance Information Card Available Across All Airlines
• No.03: Self Baggage Drop System for Dealing with Strollers
• No.04: Security Screening Equipment Available for Passengers in a Wheelchair
• No.05: Interactive Digital Companion for Airport Guidance
• No.06: Moving Assistance Device in Airport
• No.07: Assistance Enabling Passengers to Transfer to the Window Seat Easily
• No.08: Overhead Stowage Bin Capable of Lifting Up and Down
• No.09: Overhead Stowage Bin with Visible Contents
• No.10: Indicator Showing Whether the Overhead Stowage Bin is Latched
• No.11: Folding Seats Enable Standing Up in Seat Space
• No.12: Seat Capable of Tilting
• No.13: Seat Facilities with Color Contrasts and Tactile Features
• No.14: Visually-Distinguished Seat Pockets
• No.15: Indicator Showing Original Position of Economy Class Seat
• No.16: Indicator Showing Whether the Seatbelt is Fastened
• No.17: In-flight Service Ordering Using the IFE System
• No.18: IFE System Showing Time Schedule of Flight Events
• No.19: IFE System Controllable on Personal Mobile Devices
• No.20: Movable/Detachable IFE Monitor
• No.21: Subtitle Display for In-flight Announcements
• No.22: Paper Cup Lid with Sophisticated Features
• No.23: Paper Cup Sleeve with Easy-to-Grasp Handle
• No.24: In-flight Tableware for Eating with One Hand
• No.25: In-flight Tableware for People with Visual Impairments
• No.26: Multi-Purpose Space Available While Airplane is Cruising
• No.27: Flight Experience Attractions
• No.28: Steam Oven for Easy Removal of Contents
• No.29: Easy-to-Operate and Quiet Latches in Galley Compartment
• No.30: Attendant Seat Reducing Impact upon Landing

The 30 Solutions for Advancing All People’s Comfort in Air Travel (PDF)

Background

While constant efforts have been made to create a barrier-free and inclusive society, air passengers are still required to endure physical and psychological burden during flights due to the confined space and unique environment. Overcoming these issues will require significant improvements in air travel equipment and systems.

However, there hasn’t been a comprehensive, systematic study outlining the specific equipment and systems needed for a seamless and comfortable air travel experience ― from ticket reservation to boarding, disembarking, and leaving the airport ― for all people, including those with disabilities, older people, children, and cabin crews.

Therefore, JAXA has initiated comprehensive studies on universal design for air travel. The initial phase involved a series of surveys and interviews to identify issues faced by airplane passengers, with a particular focus on people with disabilities. Subsequently, we discussed ideas for equipment and systems to address these issues, considering technological, safety, and operational perspectives. The outcome of this process was then compiled into a document, proposing 30 practical and effective solutions.

Additionally, JAXA has been working with Japanese suppliers of aircraft interiors to develop universally designed lavatories, galleys, seats, and cabin layouts for aircraft. These elements were intentionally excluded from the 30 proposed solutions.

Dec 19, 2023