Airchair, the world’s leading manufacturer of onboard wheelchairs, has opened a brand-new and expanded manufacturing facility, near Woking in Surrey. This expansion will allow Airchair to scale up production to treble its current capacity to meet the increasing demand for onboard wheelchairs, as airlines worldwide respond to the growing call for improved accessibility to air travel. The expansion will bring new employment opportunities, supporting the community Airchair serves and contributing to regional economic growth.
At the core of Airchair’s new manufacturing site is the introduction of a smart, single-flow production process. This streamlined method not only boosts efficiency but also allows for agile design adaptation to changing customer and regulatory requirements and guarantees consistent quality – ensuring Airchair remains at the forefront of safety, comfort, and reliability.
Sarah McOnie of Airchair said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have moved into our new, enlarged production facility. According to the most recent Civil Aviation Authority data, in 2024 5.5 million passengers requested assistance at a UK airport. The Airchair plays an important role in providing airlines with a simple and practical solution when helping passengers that require special assistance which is why we believe that every passenger aircraft should carry an aisle chair.”
This development marks a significant milestone for the company, which launched in 2007 with an aisle chair designed and built by founder and former aircraft engineer, Brian Richards. With a commitment to improving the safety and comfort of air passengers with reduced mobility, Airchair has built its reputation on product excellence and customer focused design. The company is dedicated to producing onboard wheelchairs that work for both the disabled passenger and the airlines.
Ideally situated with links to both Heathrow and Gatwick airports, Airchair’s new facility offers an excellent location for visiting customers, prospects, and logistics partners. Its proximity to major distribution and shipping routes further strengthens the company’s ability to deliver to its customers across the globe.