As authorities become more strict with regulations aimed to decrease the number of fatalities in plane crashes, airlines Cathay Pacific and Air France have unveiled seat belt mounted airbags in their economy-class cabins.

Since last October, all U.S. built airlines must now comply with new rules designed to help passengers stay conscious upon impact in case of a crash so that they can escape the plane in a timely manner. 

The same rules will go into effect later this year in Europe according to an official from the European Aviation Safety Agency.

Currently most planes have seats that do not need airbags, however it is believed that all carriers will start offering them by 2020.

What is making most airlines hold off on installing them until it is mandatory is the high price. While seat belts cost around $25 a seat, airbags will put airlines back around $1,200 per seat.

Source: Business Week