American Airlines has taken delivery of the first Embraer E175 equipped with a new generation of Recaro passenger seats, as the airframer continues to invest in upgrades for its bestselling regional jet.
The aircraft is the first in American's E175 fleet to feature the new slimline seats. While Embraer has not disclosed the specific seat model, images released with the aircraft suggest the installation is Recaro’s latest-generation R2 seat.
The introduction forms part of American's wider cabin modernisation programme and reflects Embraer's efforts to keep the E175 platform feeling fresh and contemporary with the newer E2 range.
Arjan Meijer, president and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, said the upgrade demonstrates the manufacturer's commitment to further developing the E175.
"The introduction of our new Recaro seats demonstrates our commitment to investing in the platform and delivering enhancements that improve passenger experience while creating additional value for operators."
American Airlines said it is the first US carrier to introduce the new Recaro seating on the E175. Rhonda Crawford, senior vice president of customer experience design and strategy, said the move would help deliver a more consistent customer experience across the airline's network.
"As the first US airline to introduce Recaro seats on Embraer E175 aircraft, we're continuing to raise the bar for regional travel," she said.
The E175 remains the dominant regional jet in the North American market, where scope-clause restrictions at major airlines have helped sustain demand for the 76-seat aircraft. Embraer has delivered hundreds of E175s to US operators over the past two decades, making the type a mainstay of regional airline fleets.
