AbleFly is on a mission to make air travel more inclusive and accessible for mobility-restricted individuals.
Co-founded by Sandra Gualtieri, the startup is developing the AbleFly Comfort Device鈥攁 customizable, ergonomic solution designed to enhance safety and comfort during flights.
What is AbleFly鈥檚 product? How does it align with your mission and drive your business?
Imagine yourself in a coach airline seat. Now picture yourself as a mobility-disabled person who relies on a customized supportive mobility device in that airline, seat secured only by a seat belt, unable to hold yourself upright or brace yourself while also experiencing involuntary movements or other mobility, flexibility, or pain-related disabilities. Imagine how uncomfortable and frightening that experience could be.
AbleFly鈥檚 mission is to empower more mobility-restricted people to travel by plane, allowing them to explore the world and access new opportunities.
Industry research shows that 40% of mobility-restricted people avoid air travel due to a variety of factors, including discomfort, potential bodily harm, and the fear of damage to or loss of their mobility device
AbleFly is developing the AbleFly Comfort Device, a customizable orthotic positioning device intended to improve air travel comfort and safety for travellers with reduced mobility. It features an ergonomic, malleable seat, customizable supports and cushioning, restraints, and a harness. The device also incorporates an integrated seat transfer aid and aisle chair functionality to address the risk of injury during transfer and the anticipated lack of available aisle chairs.
The AbleFly Comfort Device has demonstrated that, when appropriately customized to a user鈥檚 individual postural needs, it can closely approximate the cushioning, pressure-relieving, and support characteristics of a user鈥檚 mobility device so that they feel comfortable, safe, and supported during air travel. Although similar products exist for children with mobility disabilities, AbleFly believes its Comfort Device will be the first product of its type to support the needs of adult passengers.
What key milestones has AbleFly achieved in 2024?
AbleFly has achieved several milestones in 2024, including:
- Designing and completing user testing of a first-generation prototype of the AbleFly Comfort Device based on feedback from earlier testing and discussions with regulators
- Determining the total available market for the product to be ~21.5 million people across Canada, the US, the UK, and the EU
- Planning for the first live testing on commercial aircraft in cooperation with a major international airline
These milestones yielded surprising challenges and insights, such as the complexity of the regulatory environment and the limited universal standards for the treatment of mobility-disabled people in air travel. However, the support and encouragement AbleFly has received from Transport Canada, other regulatory bodies and a major international airline has provided notable positive reinforcement.
How did you ensure that your product effectively meets the needs of travellers with mobility disabilities? How did you incorporate feedback from users and airlines into your prototype development?
We have established a robust testing protocol vetted and approved by an independent ethics review board. We tested our first-generation prototype in a simulated cabin at the Tryb4uFly Centre at Queen Elizabeth's Foundation for Disabled People in London, UK. The feedback we received informed the design of our second-generation prototype, which is currently in development.
The next step is testing the device during a commercial airline flight, a process we are working on with a major international airline. Throughout this process, we have solicited feedback from regulatory agencies on the evolution of our designs. This approach, known as a "regulatory sandbox," allows us to demonstrate the real-life impact of a new product or service in the marketplace under a temporary set of rules while remaining under regulatory oversight.
What role did the mentorship or resources provided by the Dobson Centre play in your growth?
鈥淎s a first-time entrepreneur with an idea, I had no real direction as to how to proceed,鈥� says AbleFly Co-founder & CEO Sandra Gualtieri. 鈥淢y mentorship by Marcia Kilgore, the serial entrepreneur who remains a key advisor to the company, was critical. She saw the potential of my idea and introduced me to the members of the executive team who have been critical to our success. These include our CEO, Chief Design Officer, and Chief Strategy Officer. Without the mentorship program, my idea would have languished.鈥�
鈥淭he funding provided by the Dobson Cup and the Accelerator Programs helped to fund the prototype, patent application, and trademark registrations, all critical components of making ableFly successful as a true industry innovator.鈥� Sandra also emphasized the ongoing support of Transport Canada as a key factor contributing to AbleFly鈥檚 growth.
What insights have you gained about yourself and your business during your journey as a founder, especially regarding your connection to the community you serve?
鈥溾�n this highly regulated sector, I have learned the importance of patience and perseverance,鈥� - Sandra Gualtieri, co-founder & CEO
鈥淎s a founder with a disability developing a product for mobility-disabled people, I have a direct connection with our customer base. This builds credibility and trust and gives me a level of understanding of the requirements and demand for the product. I have also seen the opportunities available to founders with disabilities as this is a community attracting more interest from funding sources who are interested in expanding their diversity mandates.鈥�
What milestones do you hope to achieve in 2025?
In 2025, AbleFly鈥檚 founders intend to build upon the solid foundation laid in 2024. Key priorities include rigorous testing of their second-generation prototype and conducting live commercial flight trials. Insights from these tests will shape their third-generation prototype, refined for commercialization.
AbleFly intends to launch sales in Canada, the US, the UK, and the EU as soon as possible once all regulatory requirements have been met. Alongside product development, the team will focus on building their branding and marketing strategies while seeking additional funding to support the next stages of their launch and growth.
