Several budget airlines will reportedly introduce standing-only seating options next year.
According to reports, the bike-style padded seats – which allow passengers to lean at an angle without completely sitting down – have now met regulation requirements and passed safety assessments.
These seats will increase passenger capacity on airlines by 20 per cent – and will come into service in 2026, on flights for up to two hours.
The upright seating is called Skyrider 2.0 and was unveiled by manufacturer Aviointeriors at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2018 in Hamburg.
The horse-saddle-style seating is an improved version of a concept it tried – and failed - to launch in 2010.
Skyrider 2.0 has more padding than the previous version and firmer mountings, with poles connecting each row to the ceiling and floor, instead of the frame just being fitted to a rail.
It said in a statement: ‘The Skyrider 2.0 is an innovative seat. It allows an ultra-high density in the aircraft cabin. Skyrider 2.0 opens the travelling experience to a wider passenger market, creating also a useful space for the introduction of mixed classes boarded on the same aircraft.
‘Its main feature is the original bottom that ensures an increased upright passenger positon allowing installation of the seat at a reduced pitch, while maintaining an adequate comfort.
Low cost airlines will officially launch 'standing only seats' in 2026 after finally passing safety evaluations
It’s a money-saving move that’s sure to divide holidaymakers – but several budget airlines will reportedly introduce standing-only seating options next year.
According to reports, the bike-style padded seats – which allow passengers to lean at an angle without completely sitting down – have now met regulation requirements and passed safety assessments.
These seats will increase passenger capacity on airlines by 20 per cent – and will come into service in 2026, on flights for up to two hours.
The upright seating is called Skyrider 2.0 and was unveiled by manufacturer Aviointeriors at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2018 in Hamburg.
The horse-saddle-style seating is an improved version of a concept it tried – and failed - to launch in 2010.
Skyrider 2.0 has more padding than the previous version and firmer mountings, with poles connecting each row to the ceiling and floor, instead of the frame just being fitted to a rail.
It said in a statement: ‘The Skyrider 2.0 is an innovative seat. It allows an ultra-high density in the aircraft cabin. Skyrider 2.0 opens the travelling experience to a wider passenger market, creating also a useful space for the introduction of mixed classes boarded on the same aircraft.
‘Its main feature is the original bottom that ensures an increased upright passenger positon allowing installation of the seat at a reduced pitch, while maintaining an adequate comfort.
‘The design of this seat enables [carriers] to increase the passenger number by 20 per cent allowing increasing profits for airline companies.’
The company added that Skyrider 2.0 weighs 50 per cent less than standard economy seats and has a reduced number of components for ‘minimum maintenance costs’.
Its claim is that this seating represents ‘the new frontier of low-cost tickets and passenger experience’.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has been vocal about his desire to use the ‘standing berths’ since 2012, having said he wants his Boeing's 737 and 800 fitted with 10 rows of them, and 15 rows of traditional seats.
But the budget air travel idea has been met with a lot of pushback from the aviation industry, due to concerns over comfort, as well as safety during turbulence or emergencies.
However, carriers insist the new seating – which do have seatbelts - adheres to global safety regulations and will be confined to specific flights.
What do you think... would you fly on a stand only ticket for up to 2 hours ?