Recaro Aircraft Seating has revealed that KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) is the launch customer for the SL3710 economy class seat, with deliveries due to begin in February 2021. KLM has ordered more than 5,500 seat pax of the SL3710 for retrofit on a number of Embraer E190s and Boeing B737-800s, and linefit on the Embraer E195. The airline has also ordered nearly 2,000 seat pax of the BL3710 economy model.
The SL3710 economy class seat combines a lightweight design (8kg) and durable parts to create a comfortable seat with a reduced total cost of ownership for airlines, which Recaro says could be as much as “several thousand Euros in fuel costs per year”.
The BL3710 is also a lightweight seat, but designed for increased ergonomic comfort on short- and medium-haul flights. KLM will offer the BL3710 as a business class seat. Comfort features of this modular seat include a six-way adjustable headrest and additional back support, while airlines benefit from a streamlined cabin layout and minimal maintenance.The seat won a 2019 Red Dot Design Award.
“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 Dr Mark Hiller, CEO of Recaro Aircraft Seating. “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.”
Boet Kreiken, EVP of customer experience of KLM added, “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.”
