Airbus reveals bicycle-style seats to fit more passengers on planes

Updated
airbus reveals bicycle seats for planes
airbus reveals bicycle seats for planes


Airbus has submitted a patent for a new bicycle-style passenger seat with a small backrest.

The seat has no tray, headrest or much legroom, but has been invented to allow airlines to pack more passengers onto planes.

According to LA Times, the seats are fastened to a vertical bar and retract to increase space when they are not used.

The French-based manufacturer's patent states: "In effect, to increase the number of cabin seats, the space allotted to each passenger must be reduced."

"Some so-called 'low-cost' airlines seek to increase the number of passengers transported on each flight," the application reads.

International Business Times reports that Airbus said the patent application does not guarantee the seats making it into production.

In April, the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg showcased a number of ideas that would see more passengers squeezed onto flights in the future.

British manufacturer Thompson Aero Seating introduced the idea of the 'Cozy Suite,' which would mean seats diagonally positioned to make more room.

French company Expliseat had an idea to reduce the weight of seats rather than their size or position. This would benefit the passenger and could save airlines around £300,000 a year in fuel costs.

Seth Kaplan, managing partner at trade publication Airline Weekly told Los Angeles Times: "There is no question that densification - adding more seats to each aircraft - is an ongoing trend, and there is no sign of it letting up any time soon."



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