Manufacturer Says It Would Create A "New Basic Class"

The opening day of the Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas in Long Beach, CA Tuesday drew more than 1,000 commercial aviation representatives seeking industry news and exposure to new products and developments. Of particular interest is an innovative commercial airline seat design unveiled by AvioInteriors, a Latina, Italy based manufacturer. Their "SkyRider" is an ultra-high density seat designed to allow maximum certified passenger capacity of the aircraft. Based on a non-standard 23 inch seat pitch, AvioInteriors is positioning the configuration as a comfortable seat for low fare passengers and "is intended as a new basic class."

"Stand UpSeat"  Shown At Aircraft Interiors Expo

"Aircraft Interiors Expo has been a great forum for us to introduce this new product," said Fredrik Meloni, Sales Manager for AvioInteriors. "Here we can demonstrate to the commercial aviation industry the benefits and features that airlines are seeking. We are able to communicate the flexibility of the seat configuration to reduce ticket prices while still maintaining sound profitability. Further, this design addresses three main industry concerns: weight reduction; maximum number of people on-board; and low maintenance while maintaining safety."

According to Meloni, with a SkyRider aircraft seating system in place, airlines can configure their aircraft to increase passenger capacity by up to 40 percent. "The result is more people and less cost for air travel," Meloni explained. "It is designed with the airline in mind and the passenger at heart."

The "Stand Up Seat" concept has been touted by low-cost Irish carrier Ryanair's CEO Michael O'Leary as a way to put more people on airplanes. It has received a cool reception from some aviation analysts who have rasied safety concerns.

The Aircraft Interiors Expo continues through Thursday.

FMI: www.AircraftInteriorsExpo-us.com