Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A bold new innovation in air travel could take flight by 2026, as several low-cost airlines prepare to introduce standing seats to reduce operating costs and offer very cheap fares.
As reported by The Independent on Friday (May 23), a number of European budget carriers are planning to replace traditional economy seats with vertical “standing seats”.
Known as Skyrider 2.0, the unconventional seats design resembling a saddle, allows passengers to lean at a 45-degree angle, creating a perched position rather than a seated one.
This cost-cutting move comes as low-cost airlines continue to explore ways to maximize efficiency and passenger volume.
Skyrider 2.0, an updated version of a concept first unveiled at the 2018 Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany. It is designed to conserve space, as more upright posture means airlines could fit more passengers on each flight.
Traditional economy seats typically offer about 30 inches of legroom, but standing seats would reduce that space to just 23 inches, potentially allowing airlines to carry significantly more travelers on board.
The original prototype, known as the Skyrider, was developed by Italian design firm Avio Interiors. In 2019, the company projected that the new seat could allow airlines to increase passenger capacity by up to 20 percent.
Beyond boosting capacity, the revamped seat is also at least 50 percent lighter than conventional airplane seating and features fewer components, making it easier and cheaper to maintain.
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According to The Economic Times (May 22), the Skyrider 2.0 has met all safety regulations and requirements, paving the way for commercial use as early as 2026.
However, the concept has faced backlash since its debut, as critics raised concerns over the idea of passengers remaining upright for hours at a time. In response, the standing seats configuration is expected to be limited to short-haul flights of no more than two hours.
While final pricing has yet to be announced, the new seating model is widely expected to drive airfare prices significantly lower.
(Raidi/Agung)
