The 30 Solutions for Advancing
All People’s Comfort in Air Travel
YASUOKA Tetsuo, TOBA Sakurako, YAMADA Kouichi, KISHI Yuki,
NAKAJIMA Tokuaki, NAGAO Kasumi and TSUKAMOTO Keiji
Aviation Technology Directorate, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Preface
Constant efforts have been made to create a barrier-free and accessible society. However, air passengers, particularly those with disabilities,
are still required to endure physical and psychological burdens during flights because of the confined space and unique environment in thecabin. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has undertaken research and development focused on realizing “Universal design foradvancing all people’s comfort in air travel” in terms of equipment and systems, with the objective of relieving burdens and creating a
comfortable experience in all aspects of air travel for all people, including those with disabilities, older people, children, and cabin crew.
The initial phase involved a thorough examination of various issues faced by airplane passengers, with a particular focus on people withdisabilities. Subsequently, we engaged in discussions to generate ideas for new equipment and systems that could address these issues,considering technological, safety, and operational perspectives. The outcome of this process was a compilation of 30 concrete and effective
solutions, which are presented herein.
Note that these solutions are currently in the conceptual design phase. Further details will be refined through cooperation with stakeholders
in the aviation industry.
Additionally, we have collaborated with Japanese suppliers of aircraft interiors to develop accessible lavatories and seats, comfortable galleys,and inclusive cabin layouts. These collaborative efforts are not encompassed within the 30 solutions presented in this document.
Most of the conceptual illustrations in this document were crafted by Mr. Naoya Sanuki, and some were provided by Toyota Boshoku
Corporation. In addition, numerous individuals within and outside of JAXA offered valuable opinions and assistance during this study. We
express our gratitude to all who contributed to this endeavor.
YASUOKA Tetsuo
Leader of Soratabi-UD Team
December 2023

Solution Number 01

Database for Carry-On Equipment into Airplane
Everyone can access a reliable database detailing specifications of carry-on equipment into the airplane, such as passengerowned wheelchairs, medical equipment (e.g., ventilators), and car seats. This enhances the efficiency of flight ticket booking
and check-in processes.

Scope: People using wheelchairs/medical equipment/
car seats
People will no longer need to invest time in scrutinizing
detailed information regarding carry-on equipment whenbooking their flight tickets. This streamlined process will
ensure faster and smoother check-in.

Scope: Ground staff
For the check-in staff and ground handling staff, collecting
information regarding passenger’s carry-on equipment, suchas wheelchairs (e.g., size, battery types, handling instructions),
will no longer be a time-consuming task.

Category: Ticket reservation and check-in system

Solution Number 02

Special Assistance Information Card Available Across All Airlines
Passengers can utilize a card containing information related to special assistance request, carry-on equipment (i.e.,
wheelchair data linked to Solution Number 01), and any additional requests. The card can take the form of a chip card or amobile phone app and is designed to be available at any airline. The data format of the information on the card isstandardized.

Scope: People who need special assistance (particularly
wheelchair users)
People who need special assistance will experience smootherand faster processing of booking, check-in, and security checkprocedures. Furthermore, they will no longer encounter
repeated inquiries from ground staff regarding the information
already contained in the card.

Category: Ticket reservation and check-in system

Solution Number 03

Self Baggage Drop System for Dealing with Strollers
This self baggage drop system is designed to deal with not only for regular baggage but also for general strollers and special
needs strollers for children with disabilities. The feature of automatic stroller packing into plastic bags is also anticipated.

Scope: People with children using strollers
People will no longer need to wait in line at crowded staffedcounters to check strollers in.
Scope: People with children with disabilities
Even if people wish to check their special needs strollers at thetiming of check-in, they will no longer need to wait in line at astaffed counter.

Category: Airport facility

Solution Number 04

Security Screening Equipment Available for Passengers in a Wheelchair
Passengers can pass through security screening while in a wheelchair or a special needs stroller without their bodies being
directly touched by inspectors.

Scope: Wheelchair users, and people with children withdisabilities
People will undergo a contactless security screening instead of
having their body touched directly. This will also result in a
faster process.
Scope: People with children using strollers
People will no longer need to fold their strollers during thesecurity screening, leading to a smoother and more efficient
process.

Category: Airport facility

Solution Number 05

Interactive Digital Companion for Airport Guidance
Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) technology, a digital companion guides passengers throughthe airport to boarding. This companion also assists passengers in booking alternative flights in the event of cancellations
and engages in interactive conversations with them. Although the AR device is inconspicuous to passersby, airport staff canquickly locate and help passengers using the GPS functionality on the device if necessary.
Scope: People who have concerns aboutcommunicating with others (particularly people withintellectual and developmental disabilities, and people
with mental disorders)
The companion will alleviate passengers’ anxiety, enablingthem to navigate the airport independently.

Scope: People with visual impairments
Flight announcements and notifications (e.g., changes indeparture time or boarding gate) will be conveyed to people astext messages using an AR view.
Scope: Wheelchair users
Even when navigating complex routes in the airport, people
will reach their destinations independently without confusion.

Scope: All passengers
All passengers will enjoy communicating with the digitalcompanion while moving around the airport. Additionally, they
will effortlessly obtain the latest flight information and will
have the ability to book alternative flights.

Category: Airport facility

Courtesy of Toyota Boshoku Corporation / Lai Chunwei

Solution Number 06

Moving Assistance Device in Airport
This device guides passengers from check-in to the boarding gate, avoiding passersby and obstacles on the route. Moving
assistance devices are envisioned to have various configurations, including devices shaped like animals (e.g., dogs, cats),
robots, and wheelchairs. The device can provide information regarding airport facilities, direct passengers to boarding
gates (even if the boarding gate has changed), and interact with passengers. If necessary, airport staff can quickly locate thepassenger and provide assistance, using the GPS functionality.

Scope: People with visual impairments
People will be able to move freely in the airport without
airport staff assistance.
Scope: People who have concerns aboutcommunicating with others (particularly people withintellectual and developmental disabilities, and people
with mental disorders)
The device will ease people’s anxiety, and enable them to travel
independently to their destinations.
Scope: All passengers

All passengers will enjoy interacting with the device whilemoving around the airport.

Category: Airport facility

Solution Number 07

Assistance Enabling Passengers to Transfer to the Window Seat Easily
Even within the confines of a cramped economy class seat, passengers requiring total assistance can be easily transferred to
the window seat by two caregivers using a slide board and slide seat.

Scope: Caregivers and ground staff
This method will reduce the physical burden associated withtransferring passengers who require total assistance to thewindow seat.
Scope: Wheelchair users
Passengers who use wheelchairs will be able to book and enjoy
a window seat without worrying about imposing a burden on
caregivers and airlines.

Category: Operation

Solution Number 08

Overhead Stowage Bin Capable of Lifting Up and Down
The overhead stowage bin can be sufficiently lowered for easier stowage as needed, when passengers stow their baggage
into it. The stowage bin is designed not to disturb seated passengers and not to intrude into the aisle even when lowered.
Additionally, the bin is designed to lift up and down with minimal force.

Scope: All passengers and cabin crew
The physical burden of lifting heavy baggage up and down willbe alleviated.

Category: Overhead stowage bin

Courtesy of Toyota Boshoku Corporation

Solution Number 09

Overhead Stowage Bin with Visible Contents
Part of the overhead stowage bin is transparent or meshed,allowing passengers to see inside without opening it. The
design is esthetically considered.

Scope: All passengers and cabin crew
All passengers and cabin crew will easily identify available
overhead stowage bins for stowing their baggage without
needing to open them. Additionally, the risk of accidentallydislodging contents while retrieving baggage will be reduced.

Category: Overhead stowage bin

Solution Number 10

Indicator Showing Whether the Overhead Stowage Bin is Latched
When the overhead stowage bin is closed and fully latched, an indicator turns on.

Scope: Cabin crew
Cabin crew will conduct quick safety checks on the latches ofoverhead stowage bins. Additionally, the physical burden of
cabin crew using their hands to confirm complete closure of
the overhead stowage bins will be reduced.

Category: Overhead stowage bin

Courtesy of Toyota Boshoku Corporation

Solution Number 11

Folding Seats Enable Standing Up in Seat Space
Passengers can stand in their seat space by folding up the seat.

Scope: All passengers
All passengers will be able to stretch and feel refreshed inplace. Passengers in window seats will have easier access tothe aisle. Additionally, the seat will be utilized to store special
large baggage such as musical instruments.
Scope: People with illnesses
Passengers with economy class syndrome and restless legs
syndrome will be able to stretch at their seats.
Scope: People with assistance dogs
Assistance dogs will stay comfortable during the flight.

Category: Seat

Solution Number 12

Seat Capable of Tilting
This seat features a tilting function, allowing both the seat and backrest to tilt independently or simultaneously. Passengers
are not required to return their seats to the original position during takeoff and landing.

Scope: Wheelchair users and all passengers
Wheelchair users and all passengers will find it easier tomaintain a stable posture compared with conventional cabinseats, and overall comfort will be enhanced during the flight.

Category: Seat

Solution Number 13

Seat Facilities with Color Contrasts and Tactile Features
Each seat facility (e.g., seat pockets, tables, monitors, buttons) is designed with differences in color contrast and tactile
features. The button to call cabin crew is not only designed to be easily identifiable, incorporating concave and convex
features, but is also designed to clearly identify whether the button has been pressed.

Scope: People with visual impairments
People with visual impairments will easily identify thefacilities around their seat.

Category: Seat

Solution Number 14

Visually-Distinguished Seat Pockets
Seat pockets are designed with unique colors and numbers
for easy identification.

Scope: People with developmental disabilities
The numbered and colored seat pockets will make it simpler
for passengers with developmental disabilities to remember
the location of their belongings and reduce the likelihood ofleaving the airplane with belongings remaining in the seatpockets.
Scope: People with visual impairments
People with visual impairments will distinguish seat pockets
easily because of distinct colors and contrasts.

Category: Seat

Solution Number 15

Indicator Showing Original Position of Economy Class Seat
An indicator turns on when the seat is in the original upright position, allowing passengers and cabin crew to easily
determine the seat position.

Scope: Cabin crew
Prior to takeoff and landing, cabin crew will be able to quickly
assess the seat position. This will eliminate the need to directly
inquire about passengers’ seat positions.
Scope: All passengers (particularly people with large
physiques)
Situations where the passenger’s seat appears to be reclined
despite being in its original position will no longer be
misrecognized by cabin crew.

Category: Seat

Solution Number 16

Indicator Showing Whether the Seatbelt is Fastened
An indicator turns on when the seatbelt is fastened, allowing passengers and cabin crew to identify its status.

Scope: Cabin crew
Cabin crew will conduct safety checks to efficiently ensure thatpassengers’ seatbelts are fastened. This will eliminate the needto directly ask passengers whether their seatbelt is fastened.
Scope: All passengers
When the passenger’s seatbelt is fastened, they will no longer
be asked about their seatbelt by the cabin crew.

Category: Seat

Solution Number 17

In-flight Service Ordering Using the IFE System
Passengers can directly order in-flight services through the IFE monitor or a mobile phone app,including light meals, beverages, extra blankets and pillows, in-flight sales, and assistance forpeople with disabilities (e.g., aisle chair use). To make atypical orders, passengers can call the cabincrew and order directly. Consideration of the workload of cabin crew is essential for implementing
this system, such as providing information about the number of people waiting to passengers, andlimiting service time.

Scope: People with hearing impairments, people with
developmental disabilities, and people with mental
disorders
These people will be able to order in-flight services without
direct communication whenever they want.
Scope: All passengers (particularly window seatpassengers)
All passengers will be able to easily order in-flight services.

Category: In-flight entertainment (IFE) system

Solution Number 18

IFE System Showing Time Schedule of Flight Events
In addition to standard flight information, detailed time schedule of flight events, including meal services, are displayed via
IFE monitors. IFE monitors will also provide the latest estimated time of arrival, turbulence forecasts, information on
irregular situations such as runway traffic jams and landing timing.
Scope: All passengers (particularly people who needspecial assistance)
All passengers will be able to plan how they spend time on theplane, such as restroom use. Additionally, passengers will moreeasily understand situations such as landing timing andirregular events.

Category: In-flight entertainment (IFE) system

Scope: People with developmental disabilities
People with developmental disabilities will be calmed during
flights by knowing the order and timing of in-flight services.

Solution Number 19

IFE System Controllable on Personal Mobile Devices
Passengers can operate the IFE system using their personal mobile devices such as mobile phones and tablets. In the IFE
system, not only entertainment contents and flight information, but also in-flight service ordering are included.

Scope: People with visual impairments
People with visual impairments will be able to operate the IFE
system using their familiar personal devices.
Scope: Passengers whose hands cannot reach the IFE
monitor
Passengers will be able to enjoy IFE content without direct
operation of the IFE monitor.

Category: In-flight entertainment (IFE) system

Solution Number 20

Movable/Detachable IFE Monitor
The IFE monitor, including the type extending from the armrest, can be moved or detached, making it easier for children to
watch compared with conventional monitors positioned at adult eye level.

Scope: Children, and passengers who have difficulty
watching IFE with conventional monitors
These passengers will enjoy IFE content comfortably.

Category: In-flight entertainment (IFE) system

Solution Number 21

Subtitle Display for In-flight Announcements
Subtitles for in-flight passenger announcements are
displayed on IFE or cabin monitors.

Scope: People with hearing impairments
People with hearing impairments will receive in-flightpassenger announcements in real-time as text messages.

Category: In-flight entertainment (IFE) system

Solution Number 22

Paper Cup Lid with Sophisticated Features
A paper cup lid with an opening for easily adding milk or
sugar and convenient drinking is used for in-flight drink
service. In addition, the opening is equipped with a feature toprevent the contents from spilling.

Scope: All passengers
The lid will prevent hot drinks from spilling as a result of
turbulence, avoiding dirtying tables and clothes, and causingburns.

Category: Tableware

Solution Number 23

Paper Cup Sleeve with Easy-to-Grasp Handle
A paper cup sleeve featuring an easy-to-grasp handle is used
for in-flight drink service. This sleeve is made of cardboard,can be stored compactly before use, and provides aninsulating effect.

Scope: People with weak hand grip and people whose
hands are sensitive to heat
People with weak hand grip will find it easier to drink
comfortably and safely. Additionally, those whose hands are
sensitive to heat will enjoy hot drinks comfortably and safely.

Category: Tableware

Solution Number 24

In-flight Tableware for Eating with One Hand
This tableware (trays, dishes, and cutlery) is designed for easy hold and grip in terms of one-handed use, and ensuring it
does not slip. The shape of the dish is designed to facilitate scooping of food with a spoon. Additionally, the height of themeal tray is adjustable for enhanced ease of use.

Scope: People with reduced mobility and older people
People will find it easier to independently enjoy their in-flightmeals, even with just one hand.

Category: Tableware

Solution Number 25

In-flight Tableware for People with Visual Impairments
The placement and colors of plates and trays for in-flightmeal service are carefully designed for people with visual
impairments. For instance, main and side dishes arearranged along the clock positions, trays feature a concaveand convex surface for easy identification, and one of thetrays includes a trash box.

Scope: People with visual impairments
People with visual impairments will find it easier to take inflight meals.

Category: Tableware

Solution Number 26

Multi-Purpose Space Available While Airplane is Cruising
Spaces around passenger entry doors and service doors are utilized as temporary multi-purpose spaces, or the spacecreated by space-saving is designated as permanent multi-purpose areas.

Scope: People with children
People will use the space as a nursing room, or as a convenient
space for comforting their babies or children.

Scope: People with developmental disabilities
People with developmental disabilities will use the space as acalm-down or cool-down area.
Scope: People with illnesses
Passengers with economy class syndrome and restless legs
syndrome will use the space for stretching.
Scope: All passengers
This space will be used for various purposes. If a bed can be
deployed in the area, unwell passengers will have the option tolie down and rest.

Category: Cabin facility

Courtesy of Toyota Boshoku Corporation

Solution Number 27

Flight Experience Attractions
This attraction offers a comprehensive experience of the entire air travel process, covering activities such as check-in,security check, boarding, takeoff, the cabin environment during the flight (e.g., turbulence and noise), in-flight services (e.g.,meals, drinks and sales), landing, and disembarkation. This attraction is situated in commercial facilities, among otherlocations. As a more simplified option, an online digest video is available, summarizing the air travel process, cabin
environment, potential risks during flights, and the enjoyment of air travel.

Scope: People with disabilities who have neverexperienced air travel
By intuitively understanding the flow of air travel and being
informed about potential risks and its countermeasures inadvance, the anxiety of people with disabilities who have neverexperienced air travel will be alleviated.

Category: Ground facility

Solution Number 28

Steam Oven for Easy Removal of Contents
When cabin crew extract an oven pan from this oven, the pan does not get stuck. Additionally, the oven pan can be attachedan easy-to-grasp handle, eliminating direct contact with the pan.

Scope: Cabin crew
Cabin crew will carry out their tasks smoothly and safely while
avoiding burns.

Category: Galley

Solution Number 29

Easy-to-Operate and Quiet Latches in Galley Compartment
When this latch is pushed or pinched with fingertips, it ensures that fingers and nails are not injured. Additionally, the latch
is designed to operate quietly.

Scope: Cabin crew
Cabin crew will no longer injure their fingers and nails when
they operate latches.
Scope: All passengers
The passengers seated close to the galley will enjoy a more
comfortable flight as a result of a quieter galley environment.

Category: Galley

Solution Number 30

Attendant Seat Reducing Impact upon Landing
The attendant seat has improved cushioning and comfort.

Scope: Cabin crew
The physical burden of the cabin crew will be reduced because
the attendant seat will absorb more of the landing impact.

Category: Attendant seat