Air India was busy last year, sealing deals for new aircraft as they deployed new aircraft into their fleet. The airline has partnered with Recaro Aircraft Seating to deliver seating platforms in both Premium Economy and Economy Class for their widebody aircraft.
The partnership will see more than 22,000 RECARO seats installed in both linefit and retrofit programs over the next five to six years.
Air India has chosen the CL3710 and the brand-new CL3810 for economy class, while the PL3530 will outfit the premium economy cabin.
The first phase of this collaboration involves the retrofitting of 40 Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 aircraft with CL3710 and PL3530 seats, set to enter service in 2024. The same seat configuration shall be maintained for 12 Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 line-fit aircraft entering service in 2025.
Most recently, Air India has expanded their commitment with an additional order for 34 Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft, featuring a new layout with CL3810 and PL3530 seats in the economy and premium economy cabins, respectively.
The Seats
Economy Class and Beyond has seen these seats in action. The PL3530 is a recliner seat, which offers functionality, ample stowage, and a 7” recline, which has seen deployments worldwide with various airlines in different finishes.
Recaro PL3530 in Air India colours – Image, Recaro Aircraft Seating
Meanwhile, the CL3710 is another firm favourite of long-haul operators, offering a six-way adjustable headrest with neck support, enhancing sleeping comfort as well as a lightweight structure.
Recaro CL3710 in Air India colours – Image, Recaro Aircraft Seating
Finally, the CL3810 is the latest generation of Economy Class seats from Recaro, which builds on the CL3710 economy class seat. It again features a six-way adjustable headrest and lumbar support, whilst offering a spacious seating environment. Once again, these seats are constructed with lightweight materials to help reduce the carbon footprint of it in the air.
Recaro CL3810 Display model at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2024 – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
All seats will showcase Air India’s signature custom trim and finish. The seats will be fitted with Inflight Entertainment Systems as part of the onboarding process.
In Quotes
Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD of Air India said:
“We’re happy to get into this partnership with Recaro Aircraft Seating,”
“This will help us offer an enhanced experience for our passengers at this transformative time for Air India and add value to our passenger-centric focus making us more competitive on the global aviation stage.”
Dr Mark Hiller, CEO of RECARO Aircraft Seating and RECARO Holding added:
“We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Air India, as the recipient of this substantial award,”
“RECARO is eager to begin collaboration, bringing our innovative seating solutions and exceptional customer service to complement Air India’s global standard of high-quality service.”
Big Changes Ahead.
It’s interesting to see that Air India has chosen to go down the line of a full retrofit, as well as choosing well-established seating models that have seen success with other airlines, showing that Recaro’s work has paid off over the years.
And they’re reasonable seats – I’ve sat in the CL3710 and PL3530 across the pond more than once.
With the CL3810 being a new model, it’s logical that these will be phased in at a later date as development and production ramp up. At least with a phased deployment, there will be improvements to the cabin experience in a quicker timeframe.
Nonetheless, there are wins for passengers, with comfort onboard an aircraft a priority – especially in Premium Economy and Economy Class.
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