Design features that facilitate access to seats by passengers with reduced mobility

EASA has received an application for a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) covering the installation of design features that facilitate access to seats by passengers with reduced mobility in large aeroplanes.
The integration of such design features, depending on their size, location and method of deployment, may affect the safety of cabin occupants. Access to the seat may be enhanced through the rotation or the sliding of a portion of the seat itself or of the seat-associated furniture (e.g. a movable wall for a minisuites). The accessibility feature, when in use, may partially or fully block the egress path of cabin occupants to the aisle, or the aisle itself.
The installation of design features that facilitate access to seats by passengers with reduced mobility is considered a novel design feature that needs to be addressed by as Special Condition in accordance with paragraphs 21.A.101(d) and 21.B.75 of Annex Part 21 to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012.