An Innovation We Can All Appreciate: The DreamLavatory
When Boeing brings its all-new 787
Dreamliner to service in 2008, passengers will experience a more
comfortable flight because of enhanced accessibility features.
"We analyzed accessibility issues passengers face on today's
airplanes and incorporated advancements to better accommodate
passengers of all ages and capabilities," said Mike Bair, vice
president and general manager of the 787 program. "These
advancements, coupled with the Dreamliner's larger windows, bigger
carry-on bins, lower cabin altitude and cleaner air, will ensure
that everyone enjoys a better flying experience on the 787."
Boeing partnered with the National Center for Accessible
Transportation at Oregon State University to research accessibility
improvements. As part of the research, Boeing engineers who design
interiors were placed in simulated environments to better
understand accessibility issues faced by persons with mobility,
sensory and cognitive disabilities. In addition, the team worked
with individuals with these disabilities to verify
improvements.
Throughout the plane's development, Boeing has touted how
virtually all aspects of the Dreamliner's interior enhance
passenger comfort. As an example, all lavatories aboard the 787
Dreamliner feature universally designed interior and exterior door
handles that are more intuitive and enable easier access by
passengers with limited hand agility.
Assist-handles installed in all lavatories are easier to grip
and offer passengers better stability through improved design and
location. "Touchless" features including faucets, toilet flushing
and waste flaps can be activated by infrared sensors in addition to
their traditional mechanical operation, making them easier to use
(and let's face it -- the fewer things we have to touch in an
airplane lav, the better off we all are --
Ed.)
Boeing is offering two wheelchair-accessible lavatories on the
Dreamliner, each with significant advancements. The 56-inch
longitudinal lavatory repositions the entryway door and toilet to
provide extra usable space, and makes it easier for passengers to
reach and use the facilities.
A 56-inch by 57-inch convertible lavatory includes a movable
center wall that allows two separate lavatories to become one
large, wheelchair-accessible facility. Other wheelchair-accessible
lavatory improvements include an additional toilet flush button on
the sink cabinet and a fold-down assist bar to aid independent
transfers.
Additional enhancements are sprinkled throughout the airplane.
Exterior assist handles are better positioned to accommodate
passengers of all heights and levels of mobility. Overhead stowage
bins are easier to reach, and latches work whether they are pushed
or pulled, eliminating uncertainty. Bigger closets are offered that
enable personal wheelchair stowage in the passenger cabin, while
special closet features will better secure the wheelchair.
As on current airplanes, aisle seats will have movable arm rests
that offer passengers with disabilities easier access to their
seats.
"Boeing is making an ongoing effort to identify opportunities to
improve the flying experience," said Bair. "The 787 Dreamliner will
set a new industry standard for accessibility on airplanes."