Introduction
In a significant collaborative effort, Japan Airlines (JAL) and Daiya Industry have launched a support belt designed for passengers struggling with seating posture. This innovative product aims to enhance the flying experience for individuals who require additional assistance, ensuring their comfort and safety onboard.
Background
The idea to develop a specialized support belt originated in 2018. JAL staff learned about Daiya Industry's existing product aimed at enhancing seating posture for those needing support and inquired about creating a version tailored specifically for JAL’s needs. This inquiry marked the beginning of a joint journey to improve passenger comfort.
Specifications of the Support Belts
The newly developed support belts come in two variants, intended to cater to the varying needs of passengers:
1.
Vest Type: This version is donned like a vest and fastens with a buckle at the front. It allows passengers to secure their upper body to the seat, ensuring stability. Importantly, this design accommodates those who might find it challenging to put both arms through the armholes, enabling the belt to be worn one side at a time if necessary.
2.
Belt Type: This variant consists of a single strap that can be easily fastened using Velcro. It is adjustable and can be used to secure various parts of the body, including the legs, abdomen, and chest, providing versatile support to meet individual needs.
Implementation
As of now, JAL has integrated 110 units of these support belts across its fleet, consisting of 232 aircraft (both owned and leased). The airline operates a vast network, covering 133 domestic routes and 66 international routes as of March 31, 2025. While most aircraft can accommodate the new support belts, some specific seat types may not be compatible.
For more detailed information, passengers can visit:
JAL's Official Support Belt Page
Comments from JAL and Daiya Industry
A representative from JAL expressed enthusiasm over the collaboration born out of customer feedback, noting the enhancements made to the support belt design, which improves stability for passengers by offering greater surface area contact with the seat back. This adjustment opens up more seating options for users during flights, promoting flexibility in seat selection.
On the other hand, Daiya Industry emphasized its commitment to improving the travel experience for all customers. Their representative highlighted the company’s goal of creating products adaptable to different seating setups and ensuring that every customer enjoys a comfortable and safe journey.
The collaborative effort aims to extend the application of these support belts beyond aviation, with aspirations for further development in various transportation and caregiving scenarios.
Conclusion
As the joint initiatives by JAL and Daiya Industry exemplify, the pursuit of passenger comfort does not end with a typical inflight experience. Instead, it extends into realms requiring thoughtful innovation, catering to those needing extra assistance. This landmark partnership is an exciting step towards making air travel more inclusive and comfortable for all.
For inquiries related to the product or interviews, please reach out to:
- - Daiya Industry: New Market Development Department - Tel: 086-282-1217
- - Public Relations: Tel: 086-282-1245
Company Profiles
Japan Airlines
- - Location: Tokyo, Shinagawa, 2-4-11 Nomura Real Estate Tennozu Building
- - Founded: August 1951
- - Capital: Approximately 547.2 billion JPY
- - Main services: Regular and irregular air transport
Daiya Industry
- - Location: Okayama, Okayama City, 1125 Koshinden
- - Founded: April 1963
- - Capital: 10 million JPY
- - Core products: Braces, supports, assistive suits, and various medical devices.