Synopsis
Several low-cost airlines are considering introducing ‘Skyrider 2.0’ seats by 2026, a bike-style padded seating arrangement for short flights. This design allows airlines to increase passenger capacity by 20% and reduce weight, potentially leading to lower ticket prices. However, concerns persist within the aviation industry regarding passenger comfort and safety during turbulence or emergencies, despite assurances of regulatory compliance.
Standing-only seats: A few low-cost airlines are said to be planning on introducing the new seating arrangement as soon as 2026, as an alternative way of cutting costs, as per a report.
How Do Standing Seats Work On A Flight?
These seats, called the Skyrider 2.0, are designed by the Italian company Aviointeriors. The design resembles a padded bicycle saddle, secured to the floor and ceiling, and includes a seatbelt. Passengers rest at about a 45-degree angle, using their legs and core muscles to support themselves. Each unit weighs about half as much as a standard seat.
Aviointeriors says the Skyrider seats comply with aviation regulations and have passed all safety tests. So, passengers need not worry about emergencies or in-flight risks.
How Airlines Can Benefit From Standing Seats
Since each unit takes up less space, reports suggest airlines could accommodate up to 20 per cent more passengers on flights lasting two hours or less. This could help increase profitability.
The lighter seats and simpler design may also mean less cleaning and quicker maintenance. This can allow airlines to reduce turnaround time between flights.
Cheaper Ticket Costs For Flyers
Standing seats are expected to come with lower fares than traditional ones. While exact prices are unknown, in 2012, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary proposed fitting his Boeing 737-800s with 10 rows of standing seats and 15 rows of regular ones. At the time, he suggested standing tickets could cost as little as 1-5 pounds (Rs.400-2000). Reports now say other airlines, from Spain to Eastern Europe, are also exploring the idea.
Concerns Remain Over Comfort and Safety
However, this seating concept for budget air travel has faced a lot of pushback from the aviation industry, over concerns about comfort and safety during turbulence or emergencies.
While, the budget carriers have highlighted that the new seating, does have seatbelts, follows the global safety regulations and would be used only for specific flights, as per the report.
How long will these flights last?
Skyrider 2.0 will only be used for flights up to two hours.
A New Take on an Old Concept
Daily Mail reported that Skyrider 2.0 was first unveiled by manufacturer Aviointeriors at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2018 in Hamburg, but the horse-saddle-style seating is an improved version of a concept it tried but had failed to launch in 2010.
