At the 2024 APEX Global EXPO, Letronics debuted its WiseLift PRM Transfer Lift. The company is now working closely with a couple of airlines and hopes to close its first deal by the end of the year.
For over 25 years, Letronics has supplied the airline industry with an extensive range of in-flight solutions, including headphones, earbuds, security seals, and more. However, their recent foray into products designed for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) marks a significant evolution in their offerings.
Letronics CEO Gregg Cohen stated, “The WiseLift brand started about six years ago with our recliner lift chairs, designed to help seniors or individuals with reduced mobility stand up safely and comfortably. Shortly after, an airline approached us, seeking a more efficient way to assist PRM passengers in transferring from a wheelchair to their aircraft seat. That need inspired the creation of the WiseLift PRM Transfer Lift.”
This innovative battery-operated lift operates by placing a sling beneath the passenger in their wheelchair at the gate. Once secured, the passenger is lifted and maneuvered down the aisle to their seat, where they can be gently placed and lowered. Impressively, the sling can accommodate a maximum weight of 204 kilograms, allowing a wide range of passengers to benefit from its use.
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As reported by PAX International, the sling is designed with added convenience in mind; it can even incorporate an incontinence pad, ensuring passenger comfort throughout the flight.
“By reducing stress and physical strain, the lift helps make boarding smoother and more comfortable for everyone involved.”
– Gregg Cohen, Letronics
The dimensions of Letronics’ WL780 PRM Lift can be adjusted, made as narrow as 48 inches, which fits comfortably in the entryways of regional jets. Its compact 14-inch width allows it to be used across all commercial aircraft. Additionally, the company has introduced a wider version, the WL790, specifically designed to accommodate business-class seats arranged in a herringbone layout. Cohen elaborated, “The original WL780 model extends to 99 inches long, while the WL790 model can extend to more than 105 inches.”
The advantages of the WiseLift PRM Transfer Lift are abundant. “It eliminates all manual lifting, making transfers safer for both crew and passengers,” Cohen shared. With an emphasis on comfort, the lift boasts ergonomic features and quiet operation, promoting a peaceful atmosphere during the transfer process. By minimizing physical strain, the lift helps ease the boarding experience for everyone involved.
Moreover, Cohen highlighted that the lift facilitates faster boarding processes for passengers with reduced mobility, enhancing both passenger experiences and airlines’ operational turnaround times. This dual benefit is paving the way for a more inclusive approach to air travel.
Feedback from various advocates has prompted Letronics to return to the 2025 APEX Global EXPO, showcasing both the WL780 and WL790 models with new colored handles on the sling. “They were originally black to match the sling, but colored handles are easier to locate when positioning the passenger in their seat,” Cohen explained.
In terms of operational logistics, Cohen clarified that since the lift does not connect to or interface with the aircraft’s structure or systems, it does not require certification. The PRM Lift will typically be stationed at the airport, with the number available depending on the airline and airport’s needs. “You need at least one at each end for boarding and de-boarding the passenger,” said Cohen.
