A radical new design may see some seats in planes’ economy class facing backwards.
Premium Aircraft Interiors Group (PAIG) has designed the new configuration whereby every other seat faces towards the back of the aircraft, allowing for more legroom per passenger and removing the need to scrabble for the armrest.
The design is reported to have been approved by aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus. PAIG is in talks with several carriers regarding the new seating, including one UK airline. It is said that the new design will allow for an extra seat per row on a Boeing 777 aircraft.
Passengers may feel uncomfortable facing towards other travellers in the next seats, as well as having the disconcerting feeling of flying backwards for long periods of time.
However, the design includes a screen to ensure better privacy and facing backwards is thought to be safer in the event of a crash.
“It ends the battle of elbows for that sweet spot on the armrest and you could use your laptop without people peering over your shoulder,” a PAIG spokesman told The Daily Mail.
British Airways already uses a yin-yang type seat configuration in their business class cabin.
