At the annual Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, Germany earlier this month, Delta Flight Products (DFP) debuted a full prototype of a first-of-its kind airplane seat that allows customers who use a powered wheelchair to remain in their own wheelchairs for the entire journey.

DFP has partnered with UK-based consortium Air4All on the seat, which converts a standard passenger seat to an accommodation for wheelchair restraint, according to a press release.

The patented design offers comfort and safety for all passengers by providing access to a headrest, center console tray tables and cocktail table that adjust to serve passengers with wheelchairs in place. The product also enables airlines to retain the design of their cabin on every seat.

Implementation of the seat will also facilitate a more seamless boarding and disembarking experience for PRM.

“DFP delivers highly engineered products and services to fill service gaps, solve operational challenges, and transform the experience of customers and crewmembers,” Rick Salanitri, president of Delta Flight Products, said in the release. “Air4All is collaborating with DFP and our strong production and manufacturing capabilities to explore new ways to deliver equal access to comfort, safety and dignity for all customers. This patented design offers new possibilities for customers with disabilities to enjoy a travel experience they truly deserve.”

Following the exhibition, the seat will be sent for final design and validation. Testing and certification programs to install the seat will begin once certified.

“An innovation like this in air travel provides those with reduced mobility a safe and comfortable way for them to travel and remain in their own power wheelchair,” Chris Wood, founder of Flying Disabled, said in the release. “It has taken truly a collaborative effort to develop this seat and we believe this product provides an optimal solution for all parties.”

Delta Flight Products (DFP) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, which is committed to and has long engaged in a variety of initiatives to increase air travel accessibility while continuously innovating and evolving in this space. At Delta, this includes working closely with its long-standing advisory board on disability in creating experiences pertaining to aircraft, airport renovations, procedures and more.