Monarch has scrapped its reclining seats in response to feedback from customers.
Passengers said they preferred not to have the risk of somone impinging on their personal space.
Instead, the airline is introducing newly-designed lightweight non-reclining seats which it claims will increase legroom and reduce fuel emissions.
The seats will be fitted across the whole fleet with 11 sets installed by the end of this summer. The roll out will continue into 2015
Tim Williamson, director of customer experience and marketing said: "Our new ergonomic seats have been designed with our customers’ needs in the forefront of our minds.
"The new non-reclining design gives our customers far more "living space" than traditional seats, without the fear of the person in front impinging on their personal space.
"We noted from customer feedback that seat storage is particularly important. The new seats offer more flexibility than traditional ‘pockets,’ using the concept of the bungee cord the storage area can now comfortably fit water bottles, jackets and even kids’ toys.
"The innovative tablet holder also enables our customers to create their own personal in-flight entertainment system."
The lighter seats also save on fuel and emissions, says Monarch. For example, when compared with a set of Monarch’s existing seats, a set of new seats on a flight to Egypt saves 255kg fuel, which is equivalent to 816kg of carbon dioxide saved on a single flight.
