The world's tiniest airline seat the 'Skyrider'
THINK your economy class seat is cramped? Take a look at a new airline seat forcing passengers to sit at an angle.
Due to be unveiled at a US aircraft show this week, the “Skyrider” claims to increase the number of seats in economy class without sacrificing passenger comfort - creating a whole new type of "cattle class".
However if you thought you were cramped the last time you fly, spare a thought for those who may be squeezed into these seats.
It is estimated that the Skyrider will allow just 23 inches (58 centimetres) of legroom, seven inches (18 centimetres) less than the average seat pitch of around 30 inches (76 centimetres).
The new seats are curved like a saddle and forces passengers to sit at an angle. Part of the passengers' weight will be taken on their legs, which are also tucked under the seat in front.
The seats, designed by Italian aircraft seat design company Aviointeriors, were styled on saddles used by cowboys and will be comfortable for flight of between one to three hours.
“The seat is like a saddle. Cowboys ride eight hours on their horses during the day and still feel comfortable in it,” an Aviointeriors spokesman said.
A partial overlapping of the passengers seating between rows is allowed.
The makers claim several airlines have already expressed an interest in the seats. If an airline decides to go ahead with installing the seats the company would have to apply to aviation authorities for proper certification.
It is likely that passengers would pay less to sit in the seats.
“The Skyrider has been designed and engineered to offer the possibility to even further reduce ticket prices while still maintaining sound profitability.”
Earlier this year controversial Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary said his airline would offer vertical seating. However safety regulators said the vertical seats would not meet safety rules.
Link here:
http://www.news.com.au/travel/ne ... 2030342?area=travel
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Last edited by atomic3d at 16-9-2010 04:57 ]