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Two-way seating will soon be coming to British Airways economy customers under new proposals to make the most of the space available inside aircrafts.

The 'ying yang' seating arrangements will compel half the economy class customers to face the rear or 'aft' of the plane and fly, as it were, backwards to their destination.

Although ten worldwide airlines are considering introducing the Janus-faced layout, British Airways are the only UK-based carrier to seize on the idea, which will allow for up to 50 extra seats in an additional column to be added to each plane.

The arrangement seats next-door neighbours in opposite directions, minimising the space needed for armrests between each seat.

Ben Bettell, development director of the Premium Aircraft Interiors Group, the company responsible for the design, told the Times the innovative seating formation 'ends the battle of elbows for that sweetspot on the armrest and you can use your laptop without people peering over your shoulder'.

But critics of the plan have pointed out that, whatever the improvements to their physical comfort, some passengers may be uncomfortable with the thought of evading eye contact with the person opposite for the duration of a long-haul flight.

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