Double-decker aeroplane seats in Germany, pics go viral

Double-decker seats have been seen as a solution to save space in buses and trains for a long time. But an expo in Germany is introducing them to aeroplanes.

The concept is designed by Alejandro Nunez Vicente and was showcased at an aircraft expo in Germany. Images show seats arranged well above the floor to save space. The designer also shared the photos on Instagram and responded to people criticising the new product.

Many netizens have been slamming the concept of double-decker seats in planes saying, "There is no way this is safe in an emergency".

"I have safety concerns and questions... How would this work in an emergency evacuation? If a fire or smoke condition breaks out, there are less than 90 seconds to evacuate a plane once all wheels stop. It is hard enough to evacuate a passenger jet with small seats on a single-level floor, but now you are adding one or two stairs to some seats. I see a massive tripping issue and a lot of broken ankles," wrote one user.

"A nightmare from hell! Airlines already have us packed in like cattle at outrageous prices. These will be the "cheap" basic economy seats designed to make us "poors" feel even more like livestock. May any airline that adopts this absurdity go bankrupt!" wrote another.

The designer responded to criticism in less than kind words.

He wrote: "I would like to thank everyone that has been supporting me and my project ever since it became “famous” one year ago after being nominated for the Crystal Cabin Awards. It has been a crazy adventure, full of experiences and trips all over the world, but also full of obstacles and challenges that little by little we have been able to solve and overcome."

"Today I can firmly say that I am proud of what I have achieved, but I am even prouder of all the people that has been helping and pushing me in any way, because only thanks to them I stand where I stand today," he added.

"I have seen a lot of reaction from the general public and the media about my seat concept, some of them have nice comments, others have constructive advice and tips, which I am very grateful for! But to those haters and journalists who just criticise and try to bring me down just from seeing a couple of pictures (or outdated renders), I can tell you that you just prove how bored, unprofessional or small you are, and that I would have loved to see you where you were at 22 years old," he further said.

He claimed the presentation at the expo was a success and thanked his investors and sponsors.