Airchair launches lightweight onboard wheelchair to meet new U.S. regulations and improve passenger accessibility

Airchair, a leading manufacturer of onboard wheelchairs, has introduced the Airchair II, designed to comply with U.S. Department of Transportation Regulation 14 CFR Part 382.65. The product addresses the needs of passengers with reduced mobility and the space and operational constraints of modern aircraft.

Details on passenger accessibility

Weighing only 6.8 kg (15 lb), the Airchair II is easy for cabin crew to stow, deploy and manoeuvre. Despite its light weight, it has a carrying capacity of up to 250 kg (550 lb). This strength is critical to withstand a Suddenly Applied Load that can be twice a passenger’s body weight.

The launch comes in response to a U.S. Department of Transportation ruling that amends the Air Carrier Access Act to improve lavatory accessibility on single-aisle aircraft. By October 2026, all US airlines and foreign carriers operating long-range, narrow-body aircraft to or from the United States must meet specific design and technical requirements for onboard wheelchairs.

With years of experience supplying the world’s leading airlines, Airchair aims to offer a safe and cost-effective solution. Sarah McOnie of Airchair said, “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. 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.”

Airchair II is available in two seat widths, 14 in (360 mm) and 15 in (380 mm). It has four castors that rotate 360 degrees, with brakes to secure the chair during passenger transfer. The two rear castors are directional and can be fixed forward or backward for controlled movement in the confined space of an aircraft cabin.

The chair features a non-slip footplate with a strap to keep passengers’ feet secure, as well as a safety stay that locks the frame in position during use. The padded seat and back covers are made from reclaimed ELeather from GenPhoenix. A simple push bar retracts the backrest for safe and easy passenger transfer. The frame is coated with SterilcoatAM, an anti-microbial finish.

For more details, visit: https://airchair.global/airchair-2-product-details/

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