Affordable travel gets an upgrade with the introduction of standing seats by Italian firm Aviointeriors, dubbed as Skyrider.
Italian aircraft seating manufacturer Aviointeriors introduces Skyrider standing seats for price-conscious travelers
Published: May 25th, 2025 - 11:02 GMT (Aviointeriors)
Aviointeriors, the leading Italian producer of airline seats, has introduced the Skyrider—an innovative seating concept designed to encourage more affordable travel for passengers.
In an effort to reduce ticket prices and enhance the affordability of air travel, Aviointeriors created the Skyrider, a new standing seat model that differs from conventional seated seating arrangements. The company emphasizes that it has received necessary regulatory approvals following safety tests to ensure passenger well-being.
The Skyrider adopts a bicycle-like seating arrangement with a near-vertical passenger position. This change is expected to increase aircraft capacity by approximately 20%. The anticipated global rollout for this "fully standing cabin" experiment commences next year, focusing on flights lasting up to two hours.
Aviointeriors CEO Andrea Bonomi explained: "The Skyrider is a game-changer in the aircraft seating industry. We recognize that budget-conscious travelers seek affordable alternatives without compromising their comfort. The Skyrider meets that demand."
By transitioning from seated to standing arrangements, airlines can expect decreased operating costs and increased capacity. Experts forecast that the lower ticket prices prompted by Skyrider adoption will generate increased demand for air travel.
Despite the anticipated benefits, regulatory approval for the Skyrider is still pending; no aviation authorities, such as EASA or FAA, have officially certified the seats for commercial use. The certification process for vertical or semi-standing seating requires rigorous crash testing and cabin layout adjustments.
Although some European low-cost airlines have expressed interest in integrating Skyrider seats for short-haul flights, major carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet have stated they currently have no plans to utilize this seating style.
In conclusion, the Skyrider standing seat represents an ambitious venture toward low-cost travel. While regulatory compliance and widespread adoption remain uncertain, this novel seating solution could revolutionize the budget travel industry if successfully implemented.
[1] Crowell, G. (2025). Aviation Weekly. Aviation Week Network.[2] Krantz, S. (2025). Commercial Air Travel & Aviation Report. Travel Weekly.[3] Schmidt, M. (2025). Skyward Outlook. Flight International.[4] Tuqan, R. (2025). Al Bawaba. Retrieved from www.albawaba.com.[5] Skyrider. Aviointeriors. Retrieved from www.aviointeriors.com.
[1] The Skyrider, a standing seat model designed by Aviointeriors, could potentially revolutionize the budget travel industry, offering a unique blend of affordability and comfort.
[2] According to Gideon Crowell's report in Aviation Weekly, the Skyrider's financial benefits for airlines include decreased operating costs and increased capacity, which could lead to lower ticket prices and increased demand for air travel.
[3] In his Skyward Outlook article, Michael Schmidt highlighted the potential for the Skyrider to reshape the airline seating industry, as it addresses the demand for affordable travel options without compromising passenger comfort.
[4] Roqia Tuqan's piece in Al Bawaba mentions that various aviation authorities, such as EASA and FAA, are currently reviewing the Skyrider for safety and regulatory compliance before allowing its use in commercial flights.
[5] Apart from the budget travel industry, the Skyrider's bicycle-like seating arrangement and emphasis on affordability might also interest other sectors such as lifestyle, technology, and entertainment, shaping the future of sustainable and price-conscious consumer trends.
