Cebu Pacific signs for Recaro slimline seats… but are comfortable?

Cebu Pacific of the Philippines has signed for Recaro’s seats to be installed aboard their new fleet of 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft.

With the Airbus A321neo aircraft to be delivered between 2017 and 2021, choosing the seats seating to go into the plane is a good idea.

Cebu Pacific have chosen Recaro SL3510 seats, which Cebu Pacific’s President and CEO Lance Gokongwei states:

“It is with this mission in mind that we have decided to equip our upcoming brand-new Airbus A321neos with Recaro SL3510 seats. The ergonomic seats will not only contribute to our valued guests’ comfort on-board, but also help us reduce fuel burn with their lightweight, cost-efficient design. We look forward to providing even more affordable and enjoyable flights to all our customers.”

The Recaro SL3510 is a very light seat – at around 9kg a seat (or just under 20lb for those who work in old measurements), using netting forms as opposed to foam, and a thinner backrest.

The net result is comfortable seating at tight seat pitches.

But, what is the seat like? I got to experience one at Aircraft Interiors Expo.

SL3510s in formation – Image Economy Class and Beyond.

Forward Pitch: 29″, Rear, 28″ – Image, Economy Class and Beyond.

This seat is designed for the low-cost carrier segment, so there are minimal moving parts on the seat (namely, the seat arm-rests and the tray table). The seat itself is “pre-reclined” to 15″ – so there are no recline controls on the seat.

And even in 29″ to 28″ seat pitch, there’s a reasonable amount of leg room.

At 29″ Seat pitch – Economy Class and Beyond

At 28″ – Image – Economy Class and Beyond.

The seat is fit-able with many options, from a net back, document holder, tray, a cup-holder, or even a tablet holder.

Tablet holder (Lenovo IdeaPad Mixx 300) on a Recaro SL3510 – Image, Economy Class and Beyond.

There are some economy seats I’ve been in, and pondered what the airline was thinking of (I can think of no better seat to explain this other than the B/E Pinnacle seat which has been rolled out on various airlines).

Whilst this seat maybe slim and light – it is comfortable to sit in. That in itself is a good thing for the economy and low-cost traveller who could be in these seats for up to four hours on short to mid-haul flights.

The upside for the airlines is they can load more passengers in, as well as save on fuel costs for lifting the seat in the air.

Certainly, the seats have already taken flight – aboard EasyJet who are operating the SL3510 aboard its planes.

More airlines will be looking to reduce costs with slimline lightweight seats. Providing they choose options that are comfortable to the passenger for the length of flight… it shouldn’t be a painful experience.

Economy Class and Beyond would like to thank Recaro for access to their stand and providing press access during Aircraft Interiors Expo.

Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.

Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can also follow me on Instagram too!

Also remember that as well as being part of BoardingArea, we’re also part of BoardingArea.eu, delivering frequent flyer news, miles and points to European readers