DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Emirates has presented new accessible-travel concepts at AccessAbilities Expo, including a wheelchair-accessible lounge suite and an audio-led introduction to the aircraft cabin for passengers who are blind or have low vision.
The exhibition at Dubai World Trade Centre runs from 19 to 21 October. The airline describes the new ideas as being in development, rather than services available throughout its network.
The cabin experience combines spatial audio, tactile seat exploration and guidance from a host. Visitors sit in an Emirates A350 seat while audio describes the surroundings, helping them become familiar with the onboard environment.
The lounge suite prototype includes a powered lift recliner, grab bars and space for a wheelchair and transfers. Emirates says it is being developed for First Class, with possible use in other classes later.
The common aim is greater independence across different stages of a journey: understanding the cabin before flying and finding a usable, private place to rest at the airport. The announcement gives no deployment date for the new lounge prototype.