LONG BEACH, Calif., Sept. 15 (UPI) -- An Italian company said it is in the final stage of testing a new saddle-like airline seat that would allow planes to pack in more passengers.
Aviointeriors said the SkyRider seats, which resemble horse saddles with arm rests, would decrease the space between economy seats from a minimum 28 inches to 23 inches, allowing airlines to fit more seats on the plane, MarketWatch reported Wednesday.
The Italian company said the seats are in the final stages of testing and will be officially revealed to the public this week at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Long Beach, Calif.
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Les Dorr said the seats could make their way onto U.S. planes as long as they meet FAA regulations. The rules do not require passengers to be seated in chairs during flights, instead requiring only a "berth" with a seat belt.
