Seeing a high volume of accessible aviation solutions at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg made my heart burst with joy. As a wheelchair user, I am conscious of how far aviation has come to make air travel more accessible for Disabled people — and how far it still needs to go.

One thing is clear: prominent airframers and suppliers stand ready to provide answers, acknowledging that air travel is a right. Here are just a few of my favourite things from AIX.

ST Engineering’s ACCESS lavatory

ST Engineering used the occasion of AIX to showcase its unique accessible lavatory, which was created with Acumen Design Associates in 2019. This was the first aircraft lavatory I ever consulted on. Called ACCESS, this extendable, accessible lavatory makes use of unused space during flight and can be expanded to create about 40% more space than a regular lavatory.

ACCESS can accommodate a passenger in an aisle chair and their accompanying assistant. It’s also a thing of beauty. We know everyone needs to go so why can’t we go in style?

Air4All as part of Airbus’ three-part ACCESS display

One of the most amazing pieces of news from AIX is that Airbus is now promoting the Air4All onboard wheelchair securement system, developed by the Air4All consortium in tandem with Delta Flight Products. (Incidentally, the Delta unit is also offering a good-sized accessible lavatory, which requires no real adjustments).

Air4All was one part of a three-part display at Airbus. Under the moniker ACCESS, this display featured a new onboard aisle chair from J&C Aero plus digital solutions/tactile placards for aircraft cabins. We are clearly witnessing a cultural shift, and this was the good inclusion news I needed to hear in 2025.

Collins Aerospace’s Prime+

Another wheelchair-in-the-cabin contender is Collins Aerospace’s impressive Prime+ solution, which supports a tie-down for a wheelchair and a space for their personal assistant, if needed. Collins has refined the monument since last year to create a more passenger pleasing space that better facilitates dining and entertainment for the user.

Notably, Prime+ doesn’t require the wheelchair user to navigate the aisle, as it is positioned right by the door 1 entrance of a narrowbody. This will be transformational for power wheelchair users. Roll on certification.

I’m always happy to find manufacturers who are working on accessible lavatories that look classy rather than sterile and I especially like Collins Aerospace’s iteration. Seen on Boeing’s stand, it features a recessed pull-down grab handle. It’s the small things that make a big difference for a safe transfer!

FlightPath3D’s accessible moving map for IFE

I finally got to have a proper chat with FlightPath3D, which has created an accessible moving map for IFE. This solution is designed for passengers with visual impairments, cognitive disabilities, and motor or dexterity conditions.

The Accessibility Map has high-contrast displays, larger visuals, flexible zoom/panning, and future audio narration, and it’s built to the spec of standards set by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 so it’s ADA compliant. FlightPath3D president Duncan Jackson explains the offering here.

Boeing technology for d/Deaf or hard of hearing, and wheelchair stowage

One of the most beautiful things I saw on Boeing’s stand was the airframer’s 777X mockup, featuring customizable ceiling panels and a thoughtful use of electronic ink. Boeing is also increasingly focused on accessibility and has developed technology for passengers who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing. Its demo solution provides real-time speech-to-text translation on board aircraft. Imagine if it were incorporated into every IFE screen in the cabin with language translation.

Boeing is also working on a wheelchair stowage solution (also known as a high-value cargo container) to protect mobility devices.

Letronics’ PRM Transfer Lift

I was super happy to meet with Letronics at AIX, as I’d seen their PRM Transfer Lift online but not in person and of course, I wanted to try it. Specifically, I wanted to see how it felt to be hoisted.

The process was surprisingly straightforward, efficient, comfortable and quiet. I felt safe and secure. This lift can accommodate a passenger weighing up to 500 lbs which is almost me after five days of German sausages. The cool thing about the lift is it can get into the hard-to-reach spaces, like the herringbone and reverse herringbone seats which are a huge challenge for many disabled passengers. I would hope to see this system adopted by many more airports worldwide as there really isn’t an excuse not to have a portable lift like this. Hat tip also to Letronics for taking feedback and making a product update within a week!

Unum’s accessible business class seating

Making aircraft seats more accessible is super important and I was super excited to visit Unum, which is designing business class seats with accessibility thoughtfully built in. The entry space into the Unum One suite was surprisingly straightforward for me to transfer from my wheelchair, as the width opening can be increased with a simple latch.

It has been a long time since my body has felt this comfortable in a seat (on or off aircraft), as you can tell by my face in the photo. I want one of these at home!

Diehl Aviation’s Space³ accessible lavatory configuration

One of the reasons why AIX is so important to me is that I have the chance to get hands-on with products that have been created with accessibility in mind from their very inception. One such product is the Crystal Cabin Award-winning Space³ concept for long-range aircraft lavatories.

Two lavatories can be merged to accommodate a wheelchair user. Additionally, Space³ offers specially designed handholds and fully touchless operation.

Diehl Aviation is very open to my feedback and I’m grateful for their inclusive leadership.

Airchair onboard wheelchair

It was lovely to meet the good folks at Airchair again and try their version 2. Airchair is led by a father and daughter duo, who offer a refined onboard aisle chair that is comfortable and sturdy for the passenger whilst being lightweight and easy to stow for crew. It also benefits from looking like a chair for travel and adventure and not so medical like many other disability products. We like a bit of colour! 

J&C Aero Jumpseat Duo

I also want to take us back to the J&C Aero aisle chair, which was also shown on this year’s Airbus stand. Last year, the company revealed a cabin attendant seat integrated with an aisle chair. This year, it revealed how the so-called Jumpseat Duo has been refined, based on direct feedback, and indeed certified.

We need more airlines with aisle chairs as the default, and J&C Aero has a solution for the airlines holding out.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the Crystal Cabin Award Association, which honours outstanding innovation in aircraft interiors. This was the first year where an Accessibility category was included, representing an important acknowledgment that all passengers matter and everyone deserves to enjoy air travel with dignity, comfort and safety.

Roll on AIX 2026 in Hamburg. Show me what you’ve got!

Image credits:

• Boeing d/Deaf or hard of hearing technology and wheelchair stowage solutions: Boeing
• Diehl Aviation’s Space³ concept and on-stand photo: Diehl Aviation
• All other images, including featured image, are credited to Mary Doyle’s Rocket Girl Coaching

Related Articles: 

• Delta Flight Products eyes near-term certification for Air4All
• FlightPath3D embraces inclusivity with new Accessibility Map for IFE
• Accessibility improvements proposed by Delta, Collins and Boeing
• ST Engineering gains traction for ACCESS accessible lavatory
• Airbus reveals wheelchair tie-down and companion travel
• Op-Ed: Time to make space onboard aircraft for wheelchair users
• Boeing explores new cabin branding tech and aesthetics integration