Low-cost airlines in Europe plan to introduce new semi-standing seats called Skyrider 2.0 on flights shorter than two hours. This innovation aims to increase passenger capacity and reduce travel costs. The seats are saddle-shaped with a backrest angled at 45 degrees and equipped with a safety belt. Benefits include reduced seat weight and fuel consumption, as well as increasing the number of passengers by about 20%. However, passenger safety, especially in emergency situations, has not yet been fully confirmed, and regulatory bodies have not yet approved this seating type. The idea has sparked mixed opinions among the public and regulatory agencies.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources tend to emphasize the potential safety concerns and passenger comfort issues related to the new Skyrider 2.0 seats. They highlight the divided public opinion and call for strict regulatory scrutiny before approving such innovations, focusing on passenger rights and safety over airline cost-cutting measures.
Center: Center-leaning sources present a balanced view, acknowledging the innovation’s potential to reduce costs and increase capacity for low-cost airlines, while also noting the ongoing regulatory review and the need to ensure passenger safety. They report on both the benefits and the controversies without strong bias.
Right: Right-leaning sources emphasize the economic benefits of the Skyrider 2.0 seats, such as cost reduction for airlines, increased passenger capacity, and potential fuel savings. They tend to support innovation and deregulation in the aviation industry, viewing the new seating as a positive step towards more affordable air travel.
