Crystal Cabin Awards 2026

Mobility Assist Makes History as First Singapore-Based Team Shortlisted for Accessibility at Crystal Cabin Awards 2026

Singapore, 15-Dec-2025 - Mobility Assist, a Singapore-based accessibility innovation initiative, has been officially shortlisted in the Accessibility category at the Crystal Cabin Awards 2026 in Hamburg, Germany. This milestone marks the first time in the history of the awards that a Singapore-based team has been shortlisted in the Accessibility category, placing Singapore on the global stage for inclusive aviation innovation

The Crystal Cabin Awards are among the world’s most prestigious recognitions for aircraft interior and passenger experience innovation, attracting leading global aerospace manufacturers, airlines, and research institutions.

Mobility Assist’s shortlisted solution, the AeroSlide™ Transfer System (patent applied), addresses one of the most physically demanding and sensitive aspects of air travel for passengers with reduced mobility — the transfer between aisle wheelchair and aircraft seat. By reducing manual lifting, the system enhances safety, preserves dignity, and improves operational efficiency for both passengers and cabin crew.

The inventors are Edgar J. Danaraj, Joel Willam and Professor Teo Chung Piaw. Edgar is currently developing a state-of-the-art functional coating that achieves cartilage-like superlubricity by infusing a hard-anodized ceramic lattice with advanced polymers to create a permanent, low-friction liquid bearing for the sliding rail.