Gallery: Airlines, Airports Trial Accessibility Technology

A&K Robotics’ self-driving robot pods are being tested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Concourse C) in collaboration with Southwest Airlines to help enhance the travel experience of passengers with reduced mobility. A&K specializes in advanced navigation systems and has developed industry’s first autonomous, electric pods to safely transport people with limited mobility in crowded places, such as airports and malls, while avoiding obstacles and people. These self-driving pods empower travelers to navigate airports more easily and independently—from reaching the gates to getting food at restaurants.

Lobbying association Flying Disabled has joined forces with designer PriestmanGoode, wheelchair manufacturer Sunrise Medical and SWS Certification, a consultancy specializing in aviation equipment approvals, to create Air4All Systems. The idea, which was unveiled last year and presented at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany in June 2022, is to allow a personal wheelchair to take most of the space of a slightly modified front-row seat. To allow for the disabled person’s wheelchair, the modified seat’s back cushion would recess downward, the pan would lift into a vertical position and the armrest would follow that movement. Minus the allowance for the wheelchair, that seat would otherwise be used as any other seat. A launch customer is expected soon and an approval in the form of a technical standard order could be obtained in one to two years, according to Flying Disabled.

Delta Air Lines and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) joined together to create a new “Travel Confidently MSP Education Center.” The facility, located near gate C16 in Terminal 1 at MSP, aims to enhance the Navigating MSP program by providing flyers with sensory, physical or cognitive disabilities, those with fear of flying, and service dogs a place to experience and become familiar with an aircraft cabin in a serene setting.

Turkish Airlines has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower global network, providing training to 17,000 staff to ensure they greet those with hidden disabilities (such as autism, dementia, anxiety, vision or hearing disorders) with “kindness, patience and understanding,” according to the Istanbul-based carrier. Sunflower Lanyards, a symbol of invisible disabilities all around the world, can be obtained from Assisted counters located in Domestic and International terminals of İstanbul Airport. Hundred of global airports also participate in the program—London Gatwick was the first to adopt the program in 2016 and in the US, Seattle-Tacoma International was the first to adopt it in 2019.

London’s Gatwick Airport—a leader in creating a calming experience for everyone traveling through the airport regardless of their needs—offers many services and facilities to passengers with special needs. Gatwick offers a staffed special assistance reception area in both its North and South terminals. According to Gatwick, these calm, lounge-like areas offer a quiet and comfortable waiting area for people who may need some assistance checking in or getting to their gates. In addition, users are given pagers that light up, emit a sound or vibrate when it’s time for them to meet the attendant who will escort them to their gate.

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) opened Presley’s Place in July 2019, a 1,500 sq. ft sensory room that offers passengers with autism and other neurodevelopmental challenges a calming respite. The airport said the room is for travelers with sensory sensitivities and their families to de-escalate prior to getting on a plane or after landing. Presley’s Place, located just past Gate A-7, features a realistic airplane cabin experience provided by American Airlines and Magee Plastics; private, soundproof spaces; adjustable lighting; transitional space between the concourse and room with real-time flight information and interactive terminal map; a sensory-friendly restroom with adult changing station and adjustable sink; and various calming activities.