Collins Aerospace is showcasing design, functionality and passenger experience refinements to its Prime+ wheelchair seating solution at Aircraft Interiors Expo.
The Prime Wheelchair seating solution has incorporated direct feedback from passengers with reduced mobility (PRM), airlines and technical advisors, the enhanced Prime+ solution utilizes a custom transformable monument to provide modern passenger amenities when PRM usage is required or a flexible crew service station when not.
The space is designed so that the window seat is still accessible for a companion or other passenger.
In a two-class configuration, Seat 1C would be used as the wheelchair space. In a single-class configuration, Seat 1B/C would be used.
Prime located in the front of the aircraft (Seat 1B/C area)
The seat being secured in place.
Powered wheelchair going into position
Unsecuring the powered wheelchair
The exposed anchor points
Deployment of this would take only one person to do, rather than a loading crew to ensure the chair is loaded safely in the aircraft and three people transferring the passenger on the aircraft to an aircraft wheelchair
Whilst the space is designed for use for powered wheelchairs in transit (meeting the appropriate regulations and using the seatbelt in the wheelchair to secure the passenger), the space could be used as a transfer point for passengers from a non-powered wheelchair to an aircraft wheelchair.
The monument houses all the passenger amenities enjoyed by other travellers, including a height-adjustable tray table with an integrated tablet holder, power outlets and a passenger service unit with a reading light, an attendant call button and a public address speaker, among other features.
When in service mode, the Prime solution deploys to provide crews with additional service space, room below to store a half-sized trolley cart and additional stowage space inside the monument itself. Once service concludes, the monument easily converts into a passenger self-service station, capable of holding snacks and beverages.
Prime deployment process, showing its storage in the cabin and how it can be deployed.
Prime service module being deployed
Prime in service mode
The functional design of the solution was carefully considered, ensuring simplified boarding and deplaning for electric wheelchair users, ease of use for cabin crews and no loss of seat count – an important consideration for airlines when every seat matters in revenue.
In Quotes
Cynthia Muklevicz, vice president of customer and business development for Collins Aerospace said on the launch
“The feedback we’ve received has been invaluable and the driving force behind the design andexperiential upgrades made to Prime over the last ten months,” said
“The user experience is not only on par with flight amenities enjoyed by every other passenger, but further considerations were implemented to ensure emergency egress standards are met and a caregiver can occupy the seat directly next to the Prime user.”
Bringing forward the design
The solution was first unveiled at AIX in 2024. It enables electric wheelchair users to remain comfortably seated in their wheelchairs throughout flight.
Electric wheelchairs are secured to the aircraft utilizing an industry-standard “roll on, lockdown” tie-down system commonly found in many ground transportation systems, ensuring user familiarity, personal safety and convenience.
We’ll have a deeper dive into Prime+ later on in the show.
Press Photos – Collins Aerospace
Booth Photos – Economy Class and Beyond
Economy Class and Beyond was a guest of Collins Aerospace at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2025
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond. Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, in-depth coverage, unique research, as well as the humour and madness I only know how to deliver.
Our Social Media pool has expanded. You can find us across most networks as @economybeyond on BlueSky, Threads, Mastodon and Instagram!
Also, remember that we are part of the BoardingArea community, bringing you the latest frequent flyer news from around the world.
Leave a Reply