New Airbus design includes circular theatre-style rows Circular seating plan instead of rows would increase passenger space But sensation of feeling like you're 'flying backwards' might not appeal Latest in a long line of ideas for seat redesigns to maximise space A round theatre-like design for seating is the latest idea being floated by one plane manufacturer - and it could revolutionise how passengers travel by air. Airbus has filed a patent to go with a concept for a circle of seats on board its aircraft, a complete change in direction to the usual row formation used today. According to the application, the circular seating 'allows structure to be more resistant to loads induced by the cabin pressurization'. Airbus' plan for seating will see rows replaced by a circular plan where customers will face each other The seating plans by Airbus are the latest in a long line of changes being explored for air travel (File Photo) It means that because aircraft come under great pressure front and back when airborne, frames and support are needed to balance the load, thus limiting the amount of space available for passengers. Airbus believes that a circular design for seating will help to distribute the pressure more evenly and in turn increasing space for more seats. For airlines, more passengers means more profit - but the new design raises the question of comfort for passengers facing each other, especially for hours during long-haul flights. And, as every seat will be facing a different angle, the sensation of flying backwards, or even sidewards, may not appeal to many. Could seats that face backwards really be the future of flying - and more importantly, would anyone be willing to travel this way? Award-winning designer James Lee's concept improves passenger seating with new-look designs Includes dual armrest, foot rest, tablet stand and cup holder The plan is the latest in a long-line of prospective redesigns on board aircraft. A host of intriguing blueprints were recently revealed at the influential Aircraft Interiors Expo, held in Hamburg in northern Germany earlier this year. An armrest that is suitable for two will be seen as a huge bonus to passengers These include the ground-breaking concept of a row of seats where two of the chairs look in one direction, while the third, in the middle of the trio, gazes to the rear. Drawn up by Paris-based Zodiac Aerospace, this design would supposedly allow passengers more room to move, without disturbing their neighbours. Just as interesting when it comes to flights without clashing limbs and knocked arms is the two-tier armrest created by Hong Kong-based company Paperclip Design. A clever creation, yet one so simple that you might be amazed it has not been thought of before, the armrest allows two passengers to perch their funny-bones on the partition between seats at the same time - without invading each other's personal spaces. The same firm has also concocted the imaginative "Caterpillar Convertible" seat - which has already won awards thanks to its versatility. Futuristic and flexible, the Caterpillar can be both a cheaper seating option in the economy cabin - or can be reconfigured as something rather more exclusive in business class, with the capacity to spread out as a flat bed. And James Lee, who has won accolades for his forward-thinking concepts, revealed his plans for new long-haul seats with Hong Kong-based company Paperclip Design. As well as seats with a reclining backrest and a tray with a tablet stand, holidaymakers would also be able to relax on flights with a footrest under the chair in front of them. Potentially spelling the end to elbow wars among travellers sitting next to each other, Lee's Meerkat seat concept also includes a dual-use armrest. And of course there was Ryanair's deliberations on standing-room seats, although this is yet to be introduced.