KLM is upping the passenger comfort stakes with it ordering the Recaro SL3710 seat, launching the product on the Boeing and Embraer platforms.
Recaro BL3710 (top) and SL3710 seats – Image, Recaro.
In total, KLM ordered more than 5,500 seats of the SL3710, as well as 2000 seats of the BL3710. , which are slated for delivering starting in February 2021. The Recaro seats will be retrofitted on a number of Embraer E190 and Boeing B737-800 and will be line-fitted on the Embraer E195.
The Embraer aircraft are used by KLM Cityhopper fleet connecting Amsterdam to regional and low-volume destinations, whilst the Boeing 737-800 are used by KLM on main-line routes.
Economy Class and Beyond covered the SL3710 in detail when it launched at AIX 2019.
SL3710 in demonstration mode – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
With tray deployed.
The SL3710 is a lightweight seat, combined durable parts to create a comfortable seat with a reduced total cost of ownership for airlines. The SL3710 weighs in at 8 kilograms and can potentially save an aircraft up to several thousand euros in fuel costs per year.
The airline is also adding BL3710 seat, which is optimised for comfort for short and medium-haul flights (again covered by Economy Class and Beyond at AIX 2018)
The seat offers a six-way adjustable headrest and additional back support. Again, it’s a modular seat design that allows a streamlined cabin layout and minimal maintenance, coming in at 10kg per seat.
The combination of SL3710 and BL3710 is one that has been used by other airlines – with TAP Portugal launching the original combination.
In Quotes
Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO and Shareholder at Recaro Aircraft Seating said
“We are thrilled that our long-term partner KLM is the launch customer for our new SL3710, as we are both working towards the goal of making aviation travel more comfortable, sustainable and efficient,” said
“Not only is this our first step into the regional aviation sector, but it’s also the first time Recaro has outfitted Embraer aircraft. This is not an opportunity we take lightly, and we look forward to continue pursuing our vision of ‘driving comfort in the sky’.”
Boet Kreiken, Executive Vice President Customer Experience of KLM said
“This is a tremendous honor to be named the launch customer for such a high-quality and comfortable, yet lightweight seat as the SL3710,” said
“When we introduced our ‘Fly Responsibly’ sustainable travel campaign, we sought out partners who shared this vision. Recaro seats keep us ahead of the curve, as we are continuously improving the passenger journey and are leading the industry in delivering the economic and social value of network aviation in a sustainable way, by making our products and processes even more sustainable
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Ouch! Those look like the wince inducing slimline seats. As I can unfortunately attest, those things hurt.