Air India has chosen Recaro as the premium economy and economy seating supplier for retrofit and for it’s upcoming deliveries of widebody aircraft. This deal will see more than 22,000 of the Texan company’s seats installed in both linefit and retrofit programs over the next five to six years.

India’s flag carrier chose the CL3710 and the brand-new CL3810 for economy class, while the premium PL3530 will outfit the premium economy cabin. The first phase of this collaboration involves the retrofitting of 40 B787 and B777 aircraft with CL3710 and PL3530 seats, set to enter service in 2024. The same seat configuration will be maintained for 12 A350 and B787 line fit aircraft entering service in 2025.

Most recently, Air India has placed an additional order for 34 A350 and B787 aircraft, featuring a new layout with CL3810 and PL3530 seats in the economy and premium economy cabins, respectively.

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“We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Air India, as the recipient of this substantial award,” said Dr. Mark Hiller, Recaro Aircraft Seating  CEO. “Recaro is eager to begin collaboration, bringing our innovative seating solutions and exceptional customer service to complement Air India’s global standard of high-quality service.”

“We’re happy to get into this partnership with Recaro Aircraft Seating,” said Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD, 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.”

Air India has been back under the ownership of the Tata Group since 2021 having been nationalised for decades.  Since being privately owned once again, the airline relaunched with a new brand design and has placed huge orders for some 470 aircraft, Air India currently has 117 operating aircraft in its fleet and will be receiving a new aircraft every six days throughout 2024.