Airbus Operations in Europe recently submitted a patent application for a new type of passenger seat. The idea resembles a bike seat, with a small backrest. The seat does not include a tray, headrest or much legroom. The seats would be fastened to a vertical bar and would allow the seats to retract when not used.
The Los Angeles Times reports that it would reduce the bulk of the average airline seat, which would in turn allow more passengers per plane. In theory, this would also increase profits.
Airbus says that just because the application was submitted, it’s possible the seats won’t be in future Airbus planes.
“Many, if not most, of these concepts will never be developed, but in case the future of commercial aviation makes one of our patents relevant, our work is protected,” said an Airbus spokesperson. “Right now these patent filings are simply conceptual.”
A 2012 study found that Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines planes rank best for legroom, while British Airlines and easyJet ranked near the bottom of the barrel.
