RECARO's R1 AND R2 seats take inaugural flight on KLM A321neo
KLM's A321neo lands in AMS
In 2022, RECARO Aircraft Seating was selected by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) to equip the cabins of the new A321neo aircraft with R1 and R2 seats. Seat deliveries began in 2023, and today, passengers were able to experience the cabin during the inaugural flight from Hamburg (HAM) to Amsterdam (AMS).
For 25 years, RECARO and KLM have partnered together to bring passengers enhanced comfort inflight, and this tradition continues with the R1 and R2 seats. Debossed with the KLM logo, both seat types feature a customized backrest developed specifically for KLM that integrates a BYOD holder directly into the backrest along with a USB-C power port. To increase passenger comfort and provide additional space in Economy Class, KLM also opted for an enlarged table on the R1, exclusive to KLM Group aircraft.
To enhance sustainability, seat dress covers were crafted with one of the lightest weight synthetic leathers on the market, RECARO said in its press release. In addition, the redesigned backrests allow for enhanced passenger comfort while reducing seat weight through removal of the traditional high literature pocket.
Configured in a hybrid layout, the aircraft is fully equipped with RECARO seating, featuring 36 R2 seats in the European-style Business Class cabin and 191 R1 seats in Economy Class.
“Our collaboration with KLM to bring customized R1 and R2 seats to their passengers showcases the importance of developing seating that meets both customer needs and passengers comfort,” said Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO of RECARO Aircraft Seating and RECARO Holding. “I am confident that our seats will bring an enhanced level of comfort to passengers and sustainability to KLM for years to come. Congratulations on your inaugural flight.”
Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM, also commented on the decades long collaboration, praising RECARO’s seats and the passenger experience they deliver.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with RECARO, a partner with whom we have shared a 25-year journey of enhancing passenger comfort,” said Rintel. “I have been looking forward to this moment and am very curious to see how our passengers will experience the new A321neo. The innovative R1 and R2 seats represent a significant step forward in providing a comfortable travel experience."
