G.S Gayathri Can flying be reinvented for the ones who cannot afford the exorbitant ticket fee?
What if flying was cheaper? It would enable us faster and affordable travelling. But there is a catch, it means standing in the airplane while travelling. The company striving to make this possible is called Aviointeriors. They have recently released newer versions of their airplane seats called Skyrider. It is expected to decrease the ticket prices and will also allow more passengers to travel on a single airplane.
How it all started?
The first model was released in the year 2010. According to Aviointeriors, the seating position is “similar to that of a touring motor-scooter rider”. Although it is an interesting concept, it must be remembered that it is essential to opt for such seats only if the duration of the journey is for less than 3 hours. The seat does not recline, and the passenger’s legs carry most of the weight. A plus-point is that a fold-down tray, and a back of seat pocket, both for storage and carry ons is provided for the passenger’s comfort.
An upgrade maybe?
The Skyrider 2.0 was showcased in the Airliners Interiors Expo in Hamburg in the year 2018. The second generation has refined the product a bit. The company has added more padding and an improved arrangement for securing the seats in the cabin.
Another upgrade?
The compact design of the Skyrider 3.0 is much more innovative than the previous ones. While the original design featured yellow seats separated by silver poles, the new model includes black seats with yellow-paint-splatter detailing. The poles have been removed from the previous design. It is being claimed that the Skyrider 3.0 weighs 50% less than economic seats and can accommodate 20% more passengers on planes.
Safety
People have expressed their concerns about Skyrider. It is an ambitious project but how safe is it for the passengers. Will they risk falling off their seats or it is not strong enough? Many people have been complaining that it may be problematic for elderly and disabled passengers. People of twitter are calling it a ‘new level of low’. While it sounds that it could change the passengers experience, Aviointeriors should try and address people’s worries about its safety, in order to gain people’s faith.
Is it even possible?
Sadly no, it doesn’t seem like the design will become a reality anytime soon. But it is something to look forward to. Before it could happen, it must be certified by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) which has not happened yet. If it becomes a reality, would you travel using Skyrider?
