FlightPath3D introduces new Accessibility Map designed for travelers with impairments

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GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Becca Alkema Operations Manager and Contributing Writer | Runway Girl Network

By Sky Industry News

Jul 3, 2024

Movement is afoot to significantly improve accessibility in commercial aviation. For the second consecutive year, accessibility joined sustainability as major trends at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. Several stakeholders are working on projects to accommodate wheelchair users in-flight and provide accessible inflight entertainment for passengers with disabilities. Adding to this momentum, leading inflight moving map provider FlightPath3D introduced its new Accessibility Map today. This simplified high-contrast display is designed specifically for travelers with visual, motor, and cognitive impairments.

“Every traveler, regardless of background, age or ability, should have easy access to important details about their flight and enjoy the fun of tracking their plane as they fly,” FlightPath3D president Duncan Jackson stated while announcing the Accessibility Map. The map is available for airlines today, with initial deployments expected in the first quarter of 2025.

“We recognize the importance of creating an inclusive inflight experience and the Accessibility Map, featuring a streamlined interface and visibility enhancements, is a major step toward our goal of providing maps for all passengers,” Jackson added.

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FlightPath3D is known for its 3D inflight moving map software that offers flight progress updates, suggestions for activities, and trip ideas. Points of interest are described with detailed text and complemented by videos and pictures. While this rich experience is largely accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing passengers due to its visual nature, FlightPath3D aimed to make its map accessible to more passengers.

The first iteration of FlightPath3D’s Accessibility Map includes high contrast visuals, larger icons, flexible navigation controls, and a simplified interface that prioritizes major cities and borders to reduce clutter. Airlines can adjust text and icon sizes while passengers can use zoom buttons and finger gestures for display control. All travelers can opt to use the accessibility interface when deployed.

“Accessibility will be an option with every map going forward. If there is a setting in the inflight entertainment (IFE) system to enable accessibility mode, our map will automatically load the accessibility version of FlightPath3D,” Jackson told Runway Girl Network. “We offer this enhanced accessibility mode option as part of the initial configuration.”

FlightPath3D ensures that the Accessibility Map can be integrated into existing systems as a content update without requiring a complete overhaul. The company plans to add audio narration in 2025 using Luci, its AI-enabled assistant.

“FlightPath3D is integrating text-to-speech (TTS) technology as part of its roadmap for the next release of the accessible map product," Jackson explained. "This feature aims at assisting visually impaired users by providing auditory guidance."

Luci will inform passengers about estimated landing times, nearby landmarks such as “we are 40 miles southwest of the Grand Canyon,” and loyalty offers from airlines.

Jackson further noted: “We are implementing large text and icons to make details easier to see, streamlined information with clearly labeled features to reduce clutter, and screen reader compatibility with alternative text descriptions for all map elements.”

The interface adheres to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 standards ensuring regulatory compliance while providing entertainment and information for travelers.

Development and broad deployment of the Accessibility Map form part of FlightPath3D’s push towards innovation over the next 18 months. This initiative builds on recent improvements made to its Kids’ Map interface.