Looking at some of the passenger experience improvements aboard KLM’s new Airbus A321neo

With KLM taking delivery of its first Airbus A321neo, there are some big improvements to the passenger experience, thanks to Recaro and Viasat.

Recaro brings its seats

RECARO Aircraft Seating was selected by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in 2022 to equip the cabins of their new A321neo aircraft with R1 (SL3710) and R2 (BL3710) seats. The seat deliveries began in 2023, with them line-fitted to the aircraft.

For 25 years, RECARO and KLM have partnered together to bring passengers enhanced comfort in-flight and this tradition continues with the R1 and R2 seats

Both seat types feature a customized backrest developed specifically for KLM that integrates a BYOD holder directly into the backrest along with a USB-C power port.

To increase passenger comfort and provide additional space in Economy Class, KLM also opted for an enlarged table on the R1, exclusive to KLM Group aircraft.

To enhance sustainability, seat dress covers are crafted with one of the lightest weight synthetic leathers on the market. In addition, the redesigned backrests allow for enhanced passenger comfort while reducing seat weight through the removal of the traditional high literature pocket.

With the Airbus A321neo configured in a hybrid layout, it features 36 R2 seats in the European-style Business Class cabin and 191 R1 seats in Economy Class.

Viasat brings connectivity

Connectivity continues to be a key requirement, with KLM selecting Viasat’s in-flight connectivity solution.

This has been factory-installed and is ready to serve up fast, trusted Wi-Fi to travellers once the new aircraft enters commercial service.

In Quotes

Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO of RECARO Aircraft Seating and RECARO Holding said:

“Our collaboration with KLM to bring customized R1 and R2 seats to their passengers showcases the importance of developing seating that meets both customer needs and passengers comfort,”

“I am confident that our seats will bring an enhanced level of comfort to passengers and sustainability to KLM for years to come. Congratulations on your inaugural flight.”

Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM

“We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with RECARO, a partner with whom we have shared a 25-year journey of enhancing passenger comfort,” says

“I have been looking forward to this moment and am very curious to see how our passengers will experience the new A321neo. The innovative R1 and R2 seats represent a significant step forward in providing a comfortable travel experience.”

Don Buchman, GM and VP of Commercial Aviation at Viasat said;

“We have enjoyed several years of providing trusted Wi-Fi aboard KLM’s 737 and E195 aircraft servicing flights across Europe,” 

“We are honored to expand that connectivity service across the international routes served by KLM’s new A321neo aircraft.”

A lot to like

There is a lot to look forward to with KLM’s new Airbus A321neo when it enters service shortly, with “good enough” seating for the mission, with useful features (such as USB-C charging and an ergonomic backrest in every seat. Meanwhile, with connectivity, it will allow travellers to connect to a high-bandwidth network, allowing them to stream and surf without too many issues.

It also shows the work that goes into delivering a new aircraft – it’s not just the fuselage and engines – there’s a lot that makes up the cabin.

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