China Eastern Airlines will equip nearly 200 of its aircraft with foldable wheelchairs for the upcoming Paralympics.

The wheelchairs, all meeting strict combustion-resistance criteria and load carrying and operation stability standards, were tailor made for the planes. They would be in place before Sept. 3, an airlines spokesman said on Friday.

He said flight staff would provide the wheelchairs for passengers who might need them in pursuit of better service.

Disabled passengers could also ask for the wheelchair service when buying tickets.

The Paralympics will be held in Beijing from September 6 to 17.

(Xinhua News Agency August 30, 2008)