Collins Aerospace Unveils a Game-Changer for Wheelchair Flyers

In a bold step toward inclusive air travel, Collins Aerospace is reimagining comfort and accessibility at 35,000 feet.

At the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2025 in Hamburg, the RTX business is turning heads with the latest enhancements to its Prime wheelchair seating solution—an innovation that promises a more dignified, seamless flying experience for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM).

Unveiled with real-world feedback in mind, the upgraded Prime solution reflects ten months of rigorous input from PRM passengers, airline partners, and accessibility advisors. At its heart is a custom, transformable monument designed to serve dual purposes—providing full passenger amenities when in use and acting as a flexible crew service station when not.

Passengers using Prime enjoy all the comforts expected from modern seating: a height-adjustable tray table with integrated tablet holder, in-seat power outlets, a passenger service unit with a reading light, an attendant call button, and a public address speaker—ensuring their experience is on par with that of every other traveler.

“The feedback we’ve received has been invaluable and the driving force behind the design and experiential upgrades made to Prime over the last ten months,” said Cynthia Muklevicz, Vice President of Customer and Business Development at Collins Aerospace. “Beyond matching standard amenities, Prime also considers key safety elements—like emergency egress—and ensures a caregiver can be seated right next to the PRM user.”

Functionality shines through in every detail. When not accommodating a wheelchair user, the Prime monument shifts into service mode, offering cabin crews added workspace, room for a half-sized trolley cart, and extra stowage. Once service ends, the unit transforms into a passenger self-service station stocked with snacks and beverages.

Designed for real-world ease, the solution allows electric wheelchair users to remain comfortably seated in their personal wheelchairs throughout the flight. The familiar “roll on, lock down” tie-down system—common in ground transit—secures the wheelchair safely during travel, minimizing discomfort and enhancing independence.

Importantly, Prime’s thoughtful design avoids reducing seat count, eases boarding and deplaning, and ensures a streamlined experience for both travelers and crew.

Collins Aerospace is conducting live demonstrations of the enhanced Prime system at AIX 2025, signaling a new era where accessibility, comfort, and innovation fly together.