A new type of space saving aeroplane seat which is supposed to feel like riding has been unveiled. A plane seat inspired by cowboys' saddles is being unveiled this week.

Italian stallion

An Italian company has designed the small seat for commercial aircraft and promises a flying experience similar to riding a horse.

After customers made it clear that they would be willing to stand on journeys of up to an hour in exchange for lower air fares, discount airlines such as Ryanair, said it would consider stools or places to perch instead of traditional aeroplane seats in order to pack more passengers onto aircraft.

Riding to a bargain

Aviointeriors, the Italian company, has produced the saddle type seat in order to fill what ist sees as an upcoming opportunity in the market. SkyRider is less like a like a seat and more like a saddle with armrests. The SkyRider seats are smaller and sit a little higher, which would allow airlines to narrow the distance between seat rows.

The company believes the introduction of the seats could usher in a whole new class of flying; something less than economy class, but still a step up from riding with the luggage. It would allow airlines to fit more people on planes, and therefore offer lower fares.

SkyRider seats are in the last stage of testing, according to Aviointeriors. They're expected to be unveiled this week at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Long Beach, California.