Low-Cost Airlines to Introduce Standing-Only Seats in 2026
Several budget airlines are set to introduce standing-only seating options on flights up to two hours long in 2026, after the seats passed safety evaluations. The move is expected to increase passenger capacity by 20 per cent and provide a cheaper option for travellers.
According to reports, the bike-style padded seats, known as Skyrider 2.0, have met regulation requirements and passed safety assessments. The seats, which allow passengers to lean at an angle without completely sitting down, were unveiled by manufacturer Aviointeriors at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2018 in Hamburg.
The Skyrider 2.0 seat is an improved version of a concept that was tried and failed to launch in 2010. The new design 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.
In a statement, Aviointeriors said: “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 position allowing installation of the seat at a reduced pitch, while maintaining an adequate comfort.”
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”. The design of this seat enables carriers to increase the passenger number by 20 per cent, allowing increasing profits for airline companies.
Ryanair chief 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. Michael has suggested the standing tickets may potentially cost as little as £1 to £5.
However, 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. Despite this, carriers insist the new seating, which does have seatbelts, adheres to global safety regulations and will be confined to specific flights.
Prospective passengers have also expressed their disapproval of the half-standing seats on social media. One said: “This is pathetic. Treat humans like humans. My gosh.” Another joked: “Soon they will strap you to the wing with an oxygen mask.” A third added: “Please never buy these tickets whenever they exist! Don’t help/support this.” And a fourth blasted: “I know ‘slave ship seating’ when I see it. I’ll pass.”
The Daily Mail has contacted Avionteriors for comment, but they have declined to respond.
The introduction of standing-only seats is seen as a move to reduce costs for airlines and provide a cheaper option for passengers. However, it remains to be seen how passengers will react to the new seating arrangement.
The Skyrider 2.0 seat has been designed to provide a comfortable experience for passengers while also allowing airlines to increase their profits. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how passengers respond to this new seating arrangement.
The use of standing-only seats on flights is not a new concept, but it has been met with resistance from passengers and the aviation industry. The success of this new seating arrangement will depend on how well airlines market it to passengers and how comfortable it is for those who choose to use it.
Flights with standing-only seats are expected to operate for up to two hours, and it is unclear whether longer flights will also offer this option. As more information becomes available, it will be interesting to see how this new seating arrangement takes off.
Source: The Daily Mail
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