Unifi Aviation Launches WHILL Autonomous Wheelchair Service at Detroit Metro Airport
Enhancing Accessibility and Efficiency with Innovative Mobility Solutions
Apr 14, 2025
Detroit, MI, April 14, 2025 – Unifi Aviation, in partnership with WHILL, Inc. and Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) is introducing a cutting-edge autonomous wheelchair service for Delta Air Lines customers to enhance accessibility, improve operational efficiency and elevate the passenger experience. The pilot program at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) will assess long-term viability, passenger satisfaction and operational impact
The deployment of the autonomous wheelchairs is partially supported by a grant from the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, a division of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), as part of the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP). This initiative aligns with Michigan’s “Make it in Michigan” economic strategy, focused on advancing mobility solutions and electrification initiatives across the state.
WHILL’s autonomous wheelchairs are designed for passengers who can stand and transfer independently, providing a seamless, independent mobility experience with pre-mapped routes, collision-avoidance sensors and an emergency stop function. Those needing additional boarding assistance will continue to receive traditional wheelchair services.
“We are continuously exploring new innovations to enhance the customer experience,” said Gautam Thakkar, Chief Executive Officer at Unifi. “This pilot marks a significant step in exploring how smart technology can help us meet a range of mobility needs—allowing our teams to focus on travelers requiring more hands-on care, while offering greater independence and convenience for our other guests.”
Eligible passengers can request an autonomous wheelchair at check-in. After security, they will transfer at a designated comfort station to the wheelchair, which will then autonomously navigate to their gate. Upon arrival, passengers will transfer to standard seating before boarding. Once passengers reach their destination and disembark, the wheelchair autonomously returns to its base, reducing wait times and improving efficiency for airport staff.
“We are proud to partner with Unifi to use our advanced technology to enhance the passenger experience for Delta Air Lines customers at their DTW hub,” said Shane Bogni, Vice President, Business Development at WHILL.
DTW joins major airports, including Los Angeles International (LAX), Miami International (MIA), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Winnipeg Richardson International (YWG) and more, in deploying this technology.
"The introduction of WHILL autonomous wheelchairs is a major step forward in improving accessibility at DTW,” said Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Chad Newton. “This collaboration with Unifi allows us to offer a cutting-edge, efficient service for customers, ensuring a smoother and more inclusive airport experience.”
Unifi is evaluating the impact of autonomous wheelchairs on service efficiency and passenger satisfaction for Delta customers at DTW. The company anticipates that this innovation will ease personnel strain during peak travel periods while improving overall service quality.
"Innovation in mobility is about more than just advancing technology—it's about making travel more efficient, accessible and inclusive. By harnessing new tools and ideas, we can create systems that improve the movement of people, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or abilities, has equal access to safe, affordable and convenient transportation options." said Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer for the State of Michigan at the MEDC. "The future of travel is about breaking down barriers and creating smarter, more sustainable ways for people to move and connect with the world around them."
This collaboration between Unifi, WHILL, MEDC, WCAA and Delta underscores a shared commitment to innovation, accessibility and efficiency, paving the way for more inclusive air travel experiences.
About Unifi
Unifi Aviation, LLC® is the largest aviation services company in North America, servicing more than two million flights annually. The company has stations in over 220 airports and provides a full range of services, including ground handling, passenger transport, security, cabin services, ground support equipment maintenance, and much more. Unifi is a part of the Argenbright Group and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information, visit unifiservice.com.
About WHILL, Inc.
Established in 2012, WHILL provides personal mobility products and services in approximately 30 countries. WHILL enhances accessibility in locations such as airports, hospitals, theme parks, cruise ships, and convention centers. The company's offerings range from electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters to self-driving devices, designed to give users greater mobility and independence through advanced technology.
To learn more, visit https://whill.inc.
To learn more about WHILL Autonomous Service: https://whill.inc/us/mobility-service/how-it-works/autonomous-drive