Company designs stand-up seat, says airlines are interested

Aviointeriors, an Italian manufacturer of airline seats, has designed and patented a stand-up seat, and the company says carriers around the world — including U.S. airlines — have "strong interest."

Dominique Menoud, the company’s director general, called the seat, known as the SkyRider, a "winning argument for airline economics and passenger comfort."

Aviointeriors suggests that airlines could sell cheaper fares in a "SkyRider section" and "fill the aircraft to the maximum certified passenger capacity."

Gaetano Perugini, Aviointeriors’ research and development director, said SkyRider passengers would "assume a dynamic upright position, which is not only comfortable but also very healthy."

The company said seats can be configured with a pitch of 23 inches, or less if rows "partially overlap."

The design allows for space beneath the seat for a carry-on. A foldable shelf provides support for baggage without infringing upon passengers’ foot space, said Aviointeriors