The first designs have emerged of “ultra high density” aircraft seating that could bring Ryanair CEO’s idea of stand-up flights one step closer to reality.

The designs were recently released by Italian aviation firm Aviointeriors, with the firm saying that the designs are completely engineered and to be finally tested.

The firm says that the “Skyrider” seats, which offer a pitch of 25 inches or less, offers a seating position “similar to that of a touring motor scooter rider.”

“This posture permits that the overall longitudinal space occupied by the seat with the seated passenger is far less than that of a conventional, very high-density 28 inch economy class seat,” said Aviointeriors.

Ryanair’s PR-savvy boss O’Leary caused a media furore when he brought up the idea of stand-up sections back in July, only to have his idea trashed by European safety regulators, who said that not offering a proper seat would flout safety rules.

However, as Aviointeriors designs are defined as seats, they could be treated differently by regulators — and the company says that as soon as a carrier commits to installing them, they’ll submit them to authorities for certification.

Source: AFPrelaxnews