Biogen partners with Delta to enhance air travel for SMA patients and those with mobility issues

At upcoming events like the Cure SMA conference, Biogen and Delta Flight Products (DFP) will showcase a new prototype airline seat designed to accommodate passengers who use wheelchairs. This innovative seat allows individuals to remain in their own wheelchairs during flights, significantly improving air travel accessibility for people with mobility limitations.

Biogen aims to create a friendlier flying experience for all passengers, especially those with neuromuscular diseases that impact mobility. Partnering with DFP, a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines specializing in aircraft cabin innovations, Biogen plans to make air travel more inclusive for wheelchair users and others requiring mobility aids.

The initiative was announced this week, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the community to better understand the challenges faced by travelers with limited mobility. The first event on their agenda is the annual Cure SMA conference in Austin, Texas, which will take place later this week. This collaboration aligns with Biogen's ongoing commitment to spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a key focus area for the company. Biogen developed Spinraza, the first FDA-approved treatment for SMA, and continues to explore new therapeutic options for the disease.

Kristen Fortino, who leads Biogen's U.S. rare disease franchise, highlighted the company's dedication to enhancing travel accessibility for those with reduced mobility. She expressed excitement about introducing Delta Flight Products to the communities Biogen serves and working together to develop innovations that benefit travelers of all abilities.

At the Cure SMA conference and other community gatherings, Biogen and DFP will present the prototype airline seat. Attendees will have the opportunity to see the seat in action and provide feedback on their experiences, needs, and concerns. This feedback will be invaluable in refining the product and sharing insights with the broader community of individuals with mobility impairments, as well as their caregivers and advocates.

The DFP seat is designed to securely hold a passenger’s wheelchair in place, allowing them to stay in their chair throughout the flight. It features an adjustable headrest, a cocktail table, and a center-console tray table, all integrated into the seat’s design. Additionally, the prototype includes enhanced storage options to safeguard other mobility aids that passengers may need to store during their journey.

This innovative seat recently received an award from the Airline Passenger Experience Association, underscoring its potential to revolutionize air travel for passengers with special mobility needs. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to review the seat later this year, during which it will undergo rigorous testing and certification processes to ensure it meets all safety and regulatory requirements.

Biogen and Delta Flight Products are committed to improving the travel experience for individuals with limited mobility, striving to make air travel more inclusive and comfortable. By engaging with the community and incorporating their insights, the companies aim to develop solutions that address the unique needs of all travelers, paving the way for a more accessible future in air travel.