A new on-board wheelchair, the Airchair II, has been added to assist airlines in meeting new U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). The regulations, effective by October 2026, mandate enhanced accessibility of passengers with lower mobility, especially for single-aisle aircraft.
Airchair II has been engineered to fulfill particular technical specifications provided in the DOT’s 14 CFR Part 382.65, such as weight restrictions and ease of maneuverability in cramped aircraft spaces. It weighs 6.8 kg (15 lbs) and is capable of handling up to 250 kg (550 lbs), a factor designed to handle sudden loads imposed during flight.
The wheelchair has four 360-degree rotating castors, direction locks for stability, and a non-slip footplate with straps to secure it. Its frame has an anti-microbial coating, and its seat and backrest have padded reclaim leather.
All U.S. carriers and foreign air carriers operating long-range narrow-body flights to or from the U.S. will be subject to the new onboard wheelchair standards according to the DOT ruling. The rule is part of the larger initiative to enhance air travel accessibility for people with disabilities.
No individual airlines are yet known to have adopted the Airchair II. Additional information on industry adoption and customer opinion are pending as the 2026 deadline draws closer.
