The brutal future of airline seats

The SkyRider new basic economy seating. Photo / Aviointeriors

Passengers brace yourselves. This image shows what one company wants to do to economy class on flights, and it appears to be rather painful, news.com.au reports.

You know that annoying game of elbow wars you're already quite used to playing with your seatmare? Well that will pale in comparison to what's planned for you.

And that tiny bit of space they call legroom these days that you've long complained about? Well, say goodbye.

This is what the future of flying will look like, if Italian seat manufacturer Aviointeriors has a say.

Get ready to take a stand. Photo / Aviointeriors

The company unveiled their latest design at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2018 in Hamburg. It's called the SkyRider 2.0 affectionately known as the "saddle seat".

In reality, they are more like "standing seats" than actual seats as you'll be left supporting your body weight using the floor. Great for the thigh muscles, though.

Aviointeriors have compared the seating position to that of a horseback rider, stating that cowboys can sit on saddles for hours without feeling discomfort. So why couldn't we?

The design would allow airlines to squeeze in an extra 20 per cent more seats, with the "ultra high-density" seats reducing the space between rows. They will weigh half as much as existing seats.

The manufacturer had proposed a similar design in 2010 but it failed to take off, with the US Federal Administration deciding not to approve it.

There will be even less room to move. Photo / Aviointeriors

While no airlines have yet signed up for the SkyRider, there was strong interest in it at the exhibition, so you never know.

The one appeal is the thought of cheaper flights; according to the company it's "the new frontier for low cost tickets".

So would you be game?