SeQual Technologies recently announced that Continental, Delta and Northwest have been added to the list of airlines allowing the onboard operation of its Eclipse Oxygen System.

The POC authorizations from these three major airline players suggest an increasing tendency on the part of the airline industry to tap the oxygen user market. It is estimated that more than one million Americans, mostly seniors, use supplemental oxygen.

Continental Airlines has more than 3,100 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 150 domestic and 136 international destinations. Delta offers daily flights to 281 destinations in 47 countries. With more than 1,400 daily departures, Northwest Airlines and its travel partners serve more than 900 cities in more than 160 countries on six continents.

“Our best feedback is from patients who can now fly with peace of mind,” said Lance Brawner, general manager at Missouri-based Home Care Equipment. “Previously, we had to prearrange for oxygen tanks to be ready before, during, and after flights. Now, they can just get on and off the plane and head to a hotel or family member’s home with one oxygen source, the Eclipse.”

SeQual CEO Jim Bixby said he is pleased that more airlines are approving the Eclipse, but added there is more work to do.

“We now have over a dozen airlines that recognize there is a sizable population out there that would fly more if only the process was a little more accommodating,” said Bixby. “I know of an Eclipse patient who is waiting for another airline approval so he can set off to New Zealand, and there are many more like him. We will continue to educate the airline industry on the importance of this issue.”

The complete list of Eclipse-approved airlines, which changes as additional airlines are added, along with guidelines for travel aboard each airline, can be found online at www.sequal.com/Travel_connection.asp.