Air India has selected Recaro Aircraft Seating to supply the premium economy and economy seating for its widebody expansion programme – part of its record-setting order of 470 aircraft. The contract is for more than 22,000 Recaro seats to be installed in the airline’s linefit and retrofit twin-aisle programmes over the next five to six years.
Air India chose the CL3710 with six-way adjustable headrest and the new CL3810 seat model, which adds lumbar support, for economy class, and the PL3530 model with 7in recline for the premium economy cabins. The first phase of this collaboration involves the retrofitting of 40 Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 aircraft, due to enter service in 2024, with the CL3710 and PL3530 seats (Air India will be receiving a new aircraft every six days throughout 2024). The same seat configuration will be maintained for the airline’s 12 Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 line-fit aircraft entering service in 2025.
A new layout featuring the CL3810 and PL3530 seats will be used for Air India’s expanded commitment for an additional 34 A350 and B787 aircraft.
All seats will feature Air India’s signature custom trim and finish schemes, and the latest in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems will also be integrated into each seat.
“We’re happy to get into this partnership with Recaro Aircraft Seating,” said Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD of Air India. “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.”