Air India has made a calculated decision by appointing leading German aircraft seat supplier RECARO Aircraft Seating to equip new economy and premium class seats on its widebody aircraft, which includes the Airbus A350, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787. This procurement involves a significant order of twenty-two thousand seats.
According to RECARO, these 22,000 seats will be progressively added to Air India's fleet over the course of the next five to six years, including both refit initiatives and new aircraft deliveries. In particular, the airline has decided to use the CL3710 and CL3810 models for its economy class, and the P3530 seats will be found in the premium economy cabin.
The retrofitting program is scheduled to start in 2024, and the CL3710 and PL3530 seats are planned to be installed in 40 Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft. Data from ch-aviation shows that Air India runs a fleet consisting of eight 777-200LR, sixteen 777-300ER, and twenty-seven 787-8 aircraft, totaling 51 units, although individual aircraft classes were not given.
In addition, seat modifications are planned for 12 Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A350 aircraft in 2025. Air India placed an order for a 787-9 aircraft with Boeing in February 2023 during the Paris Air Show; the order was finalised in June 2023. Despite this, Air India has already received delivery of its second A350-900.
The premium economy PL3530 seat, according to RECARO, offers unparalleled comfort, functionality, generous storage, and a seven-inch (17.7 centimetre) recline. In the meantime, the economy class aircraft, CL3710, is equipped with a neck support and a six-way adjustable headrest to improve passenger comfort while they sleep.
With its revolutionary comfort and sleek, modern design, the CL3810 model is made for economy class passengers and offers enough of legroom, large seating, a six-way adjustable headrest, and lumbar support. Air India's distinctive design and finish, along with cutting-edge in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems, will be featured in all three seat models.
The CEO of RECARO Aircraft Seating, Mark Hiller, expressed excitement about the partnership with the resurgent Air India and promised to provide creative seating options and first-rate customer support to enhance the airline's standards for the passenger experience.
Air India's CEO and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, emphasised how RECARO's seats will improve the traveller experience in the midst of the airline's continuous brand and customer experience change.
After Air India received its first Airbus A350-900 in December 2023, it ran into supply issues and had to use seats from Collins Aerospace, an RTX subsidiary. The plane, registered as VT-JRA, was supposed to be delivered to Aeroflot, but the pandemic and other geopolitical events caused it to be diverted. As a result, the inside of the cabin was modified to better reflect Air India's brand identity.
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