RECARO

R1 and R2: The first Recaro seats certified with more sustainable solutions for commercial aviation

Recaro has announced that, in partnership with Iberia, it will present its first seats certified with more sustainable solutions for commercial aviation. The initiative will be implemented on an experimental basis in an Airbus A320neo aircraft, registration EC-NAY, belonging to the Spanish company.

In total, 186 seats of the R1 and R2 models, intended for economy class, will be installed in a selected cabin for a testing period of at least six months. Iberia will be the manufacturer's first customer to collaborate directly in the development and validation of these new solutions, reinforcing the joint commitment to comfort, design and sustainability.

Among the innovations, the seats feature magazine pockets made from discarded fishing nets, removed from the ocean and reused in the manufacturing process. According to Recaro, the complete configuration of a single-aisle aircraft like the A320 allows for the removal of approximately 2 kilograms of this material from the marine environment. Furthermore, the seats incorporate natural wood elements into their structure, replacing synthetic components with more sustainable materials.

According to the company's CEO, Mark Hiller, the proposal combines innovation, design, and environmental responsibility. He stated that the partnership with Iberia represents an important step forward in the development of more sustainable solutions for aircraft interiors.

The technologies presented are part of a broader concept developed by the manufacturer, known as the R Sphere Sustainable Concept Seat, which was a finalist for the Crystal Cabin Award 2026. The project will be exhibited during the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2026, held in Hamburg, with the winners expected to be announced on April 14, 2026.

R2--Mastering short and medium-haul flights...At less than ten kilograms, the RECARO R2 is a distinctively lightweight seat for short and medium-haul flights. State-of-the-art elegance coupled with outstanding manufacturing quality make the seat a winner in any single-aisle aircraft.

The new R2 economy class seat brings to life the highly acclaimed “made by RECARO” ingenuity. Many years of experience with the CL3710 and BL3530 bestsellers, as well as the latest research results from RECARO’s in-house ergonomics team, went into the seat’s design. The product combines all the benefits for passengers to enjoy a pleasant sitting and in-flight experience. The six-way adjustable headrest with integrated neck support is just one of the many innovations that enhance passenger comfort. Another practical comfort feature is that the tray-table can be folded out even when the tablet holder is in use.

RECARO Aircraft Seating works with highly innovative lightweight materials and its Ingenious Design is the inseparable combination of function, ergonomics and aesthetics. RECARO supports the airline in terms of both economy and passenger comfort. In addition to enabling minimal maintenance for the airline, the new economy class seat distinguishes itself by allowing efficient adaptation to all cabins and every application. With a wide range of equipment options, the new aircraft seat is a true all-rounder: customers can select from a variety of armrests, upholstery and storage options. The aircraft seat can therefore be used for both short and medium-haul flights.

RECARO R2 Economy Class seat...Experience the evolution of the bestseller in the economy class! The innovative RECARO R2 aircraft seat sets new standards in the economy class with a cutting-edge combination of lightweight, ergonomic design and exceptional comfort.  The lightweight seat beautifully reflects high quality standards and design principles. Its modularity ensures maximum freedom in seating configuration to ensure an enhanced travel experience on short- and medium-haul flights.

by Autonews