(Updates with Chengdu Airlines deal)
Recaro Aircraft Seating announced recently it has won deals for seats from several regions in the Asia-Pacific region including Australia, China and Taiwan. The company said its BL3710 seats will be a key feature on Jetstar Australia’s new A321neo aircraft, due to arrive from 2022. The BL3710 is the successor model of the BL3530, which has been successfully operating on Jetstar’s current A320 fleet. The aircraft will seat 232 passengers in a single-class cabin. Pitched at 29 inches, the BL3710 seats are 18 inches-wide and will have tapered arm rests to maximise personal space. The seat also features individual tablet holders and in-seat USB power.
Having been a close partner of the Qantas Group for more than 15 years, Recaro said it is excited for Jetstar to be one of the first airlines in the Asia-Pacific region to integrate the BL3710 into its fleet when it is introduced in 2022. With its Australian route network expansion, the BL3710 allows for Jetstar to prioritise passenger comfort without compromising on weight.
Recaro said its CL4710 seat will take flight on Qingdao Airlines’ new A321neo. Qingdao Airlines is the launch customer for the CL4710 to be utilised in the crew rest area. The A321neo programme has further strengthened the relationship between Qingdao Airlines and Recaro. From the triple-layer foam structure of the seat cushion to the length-adjustable calf rest, passengers will experience a new level of comfort on short and medium-haul flights. Qingdao Airlines has been flying Recaro business class seats since 2014.
Air China meanwhile, has ordered 10 shipsets of the CL6720 Business Class seat for new A350 fleet with the first delivery planned for the second quarter 2022. Air China will be the launch customer for the new CL6720, and it is also the first time Air China has selected a Recaro staggered full-flat Business Class seat for their long-range aircraft. Air China has made their unique customisation on CL6720 in order to provide passengers with a better flying experience. The CL6720 is designed to enhance the travel experience with additional privacy features and increased living space. With the lightweight structure, combined with an efficient seat configuration, the CL6720 can save airlines thousands in fuel costs and help reduce their carbon footprint.
The CL6720 was first unveiled in 2020 and most recently earned a Special Mention at the 2021 Focus Open Awards. The exclusive CL6720 seat customised by Air China is designed from the perspective of passenger demand and experience, and has carried out a huge comfort enhancement and functional optimisation designs, incorporating the wisdom of the design teams of both parties. In addition to the CL6720 Business Class, Air China also selected Recaro Premium Economy seat PL3530 and the Economy Class Seat CL3710 for their new A350.
Recaro said the CL3710 seat will fly on the new STARLUX A330neo. This is the first widebody aircraft to be added to the STARLUX fleet. STARLUX is the third-largest international carrier based in Taiwan and the airline is marketed at providing premium products and services to passengers. The CL3710, with its maximised living space and comfort, will enhanced the passenger experience on STARLUX flight. STARLUX first established a partnership with RECARO in 2019 for selection of RECARO seats on A350 fleet. The selection of RECARO CL3710 once again on A330neo reflects the trust and support for RECARO seat quality and performance. The A330neo maiden flight is scheduled for December 2021.
Finally, Recaro Aircraft Seating (Recaro) was tapped by Chengdu Airlines to outfit their new Airbus fleet with BL3530 seat. Twenty-nine shipsets of the best-selling economy class seat will equip the new A320neo and A321neo aircraft. Delivery of first shipset is slated for the latter half of 2022. The BL3530 offers economy passengers with ergonomic comfort cushions, an adjustable headrest and integrated connectivity solutions. The BL3530 weighs just over 10 kilograms and allows seat pitches from 28-34 inches, which are both decisions to help minimize fuel costs and emissions.