Challenges in Accessible Seating for Aircraft

The revisions in the U.S. Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) that became effective May 2009, now require that 50% of all seating in all sections or classes, not just in coach class, be accessible. For premium seats such as those used in first class and business class the provision that requires a moveable armrest has not been a part of the fundamental seat design parameters and, even if available, it would not guarantee that the seat is accessible. Research conducted by the National Center for Accessible Transportation (NCAT) in the United States has shown that an accessible seat cannot be defined solely on the basis of a movable armrest. A number of other factors influence the accessibility of an aircraft seat. The purpose of the study is to start the process of developing a definition of an “accessible” seat and to work with the aviation seating industry and standards organizations to develop a framework for accessibility of all classes of aircraft seating. The aircraft seating industry is constrained by a number of safety standards and regulations, and the industry is seeking guidance for the design of aircraft seats that insure access by all travelers including people who require assisted or dependent transfers during the boarding and de-boarding process. This paper outlines many of the challenges experienced by the aircraft seating industry in their effort to comply with the regulations of the revised ACAA.