"Stand While Flying?"... Manufacturer Responds to Standing Seat Controversy

"Reminds Me of Slave Ships," Netizens Criticize
Manufacturer Clarifies: "Past Prototype... Not an Official Product"

As foreign low-cost airlines are expected to introduce so-called 'standing seats' as early as next year to increase passenger numbers, the manufacturer has issued a clarification amid the controversy. On May 21 (local time), the UK’s Daily Express and other outlets reported that airplane standing seats have recently passed safety tests, raising the possibility that low-cost carriers could introduce 'standing seats' starting in 2026.

As foreign low-cost airlines are expected to introduce so-called 'standing seats' as early as next year to increase passenger numbers, the manufacturer Aviointeriors has issued a clarification amid the controversy.

According to these reports, 'standing seats' are designed to allow passengers to lean against a padded support, similar to a bicycle seat, rather than sit. The distance between seats is 23 inches (58.42 cm), which is about 5 inches (12.7 cm) narrower than the typical distance between economy class seats on most airlines. If adopted, this could increase passenger capacity by up to 20%. As a result, several low-cost airlines are considering introducing these seats from next year to reduce airfares. The airline industry is considering installing standing seats only on certain short-haul flights of less than two hours, in compliance with international safety regulations. However, no airline has officially confirmed the introduction of standing seats yet.

Michael OLeary, CEO of Ryanair, a leading low-cost airline in Europe, has supported the introduction of standing seats since 2012. The Italian manufacturer Aviointeriors unveiled the airplane standing seat "Skyrider 2.0" in 2018. The seat designer explained, "It is an innovative seat designed to maximize the use of space inside the airplane," adding, "It weighs 50% less than regular seats and can increase the number of passengers by 20%." Aviointeriors

Previously, Michael OLeary, CEO of Ryanair, a leading low-cost airline in Europe, has supported the introduction of standing seats since 2012. In response, the Italian manufacturer Aviointeriors unveiled the airplane standing seat 'Skyrider 2.0' in 2018. The seat designer explained, "It is an innovative seat designed to maximize the use of space inside the airplane," adding, "It weighs 50% less than regular seats and can increase the number of passengers by 20%." However, at the time, there were predictions that commercialization was unlikely due to safety concerns and other issues. In response, users on social networking services (SNS) expressed negative reactions, posting comments such as "Is this a slave seat?", "Are passengers cargo?", and "Human greed knows no bounds."

As the controversy grew, the manufacturer Aviointeriors issued a statement to clarify the situation. Aviointeriors said, "Photos of the Skyrider are circulating online, once again sparking controversy and curiosity," adding, "We would like to set the record straight." The company continued, "This is a concept prototype developed in 2012," and explained, "It was designed as a bold response to one of the most urgent challenges in the airline industry. While it is a spatially and ergonomically innovative design, it should not be taken literally." The company also denied related reports, stating that the seat is not currently part of its official product lineup.