RECARO showcases latest seating solutions at AIX 2026
RECARO is exhibiting at booth 7B20 at AIX 2026
RECARO Aircraft Seating (RECARO) is reflecting on a successful 2025 as it returns to Hamburg for AIX 2026. The company is reporting a double-digit growth rate and a revenue of €710 million (US$834 million).
RECARO invests annually on average 10 percent into R&D and driving innovations. The product portfolio is young with nearly 120,000 pax produced in 2025. All the RECARO seating solutions are hand-manufactured. RECARO is ready to unveil its newest Economy Class and Business Class seating solutions presenting the R7 Horizon technology demonstrator with advanced features at this year’s AIX.
At an April 13 press briefing, said Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO & Shareholder of RECARO Aircraft Seating and CEO of RECARO said, "2025 was a successful year–we were able to increase our customer satisfaction again."
He added that the company's Business Class products are taking off well, presently flying with Iberia and LATAM Airlines, with more to come.
Premium Economy and Economy Class seats on display at AIX 2026
RECARO's R1 Economy Class seat
The RECARO R1 and R2 Economy Class seats focus on lightweight design. They significantly contribute to reduced fuel consumption, putting importance on sustainability.
The R1 offers a pre-recline whereas the R2 comes with recline-options up to five inches. The R2 features an innovative adjustable headrest including premium neck support and a variety of cushion options. The R1 and R2 offer optional smart features, a built-in tablet and smartphone holder and USB-C charging. Both seats are dedicated to maximize living space and comfort for short and medium haul flights.
The RECARO R Sphere brings sustainability to the forefront of Economy Class innovation. As a Crystal Cabin Award finalist, the R Sphere Economy Class sustainability demonstrator features upcycled and certified materials. The certified materials are a recycled PVC cable plate; literature pocket made of upcycled fish nets as well as the wood inlay and are eligible for the R1 and R2. With their lightweight design, they also contribute to the reduction of CO2 during flights. The fish net & the wood-inlay are certified and have been launched by Iberia as part of a mod-kit.
Further features in development are the backrest made from sugarcane, the armrest made of natural fibers, the seat cushions and 100 percent recyclable dress cover.
RECARO's R3 Economy Class seat
The R3 seat aims to set a new standard for Economy Class seating, delivering outstanding comfort and support for narrowbody and widebody aircraft. With a six-way headrest and an included hidden champion feature the neck-support, plus cushions, and an airy 30 inch to 34 inch pitch, the R3 is nearly two kilograms lighter than its predecessor thanks to advanced carbon-fibre materials. The product is hand-manufactured in the USA, Germany and Poland.
RECARO is also introducing the new R2 SPRINT (from order to delivery in eight weeks’ time), replacing the BL3530 SPRINT from Q3 2025. With a modern design and more than 15 percent weight savings, R2 SPRINT elevates comfort for A319, A320, A321, and 737-800/MAX8 cabin.
RECARO's R4 Premium Economy Class seat
The RECARO R4 stands as a showcase of excellence and innovation in premium Class seating. Its innovative table design featuring a smooth pop-up and soft-closing mechanism. Passengers enjoy enhanced privacy with privacy wings, a 16" video integration, and easy access to USB-C and power outlets. It has also a fully adjustable six-way headrest, dedicated amenity storage, ergonomic calf and footrests, ambient lighting and a lower lit-pocket, all designed to maximize comfort, functionality, and personal space.
Business Class seats on the expo floor
RECARO's R7 Business Class seat
The R7 combines intelligent, customizable design with seamless technology and a lightweight design, approximately 20 percent lighter than other Business Class seating solutions on the market.
RECARO R7 features advanced options, including electrical privacy dividers, increased shell height and full privacy doors for passenger privacy and comfort. These customizable choices offer passengers a uniquely personal space and create a suite experience. It seamlessly adapts to the A350 and 787, featuring a fully flat 78" bed, ensuring comfortable and restful sleep. It furthermore offers a unique Business Class Plus front-row suite on demand. It is also optimized for A330 aircraft.
The R7 Horizon technology demonstrator at AIX 2026, booth 7B20
The R7 Horizon, technology demonstrator, embodies the RECARO vision to Business Class seating innovation. It includes advanced features, such as:
- The AI-powered seat control by voice: The brand-new voice command technology, available in more than 90 languages, empowering passengers to intuitively adjust their seat through simple spoken instructions.
- The Lumina Sync: By intelligently synchronizing the cabin lighting system and adapting it to individual chronobiological needs, it gently supports rapid adaptation to new time zones, contributing to reduced jetlag.
- The predictive maintenance capabilities: It enables real-time diagnostics and anticipates maintenance needs, ensuring optimal seat. For more practicality, it is a wireless data management technology.
More features will be presented such as the intelligent climate control system among others, RECARO said in its April 13 press release.
“Each year, AIX is an exciting opportunity for the global RECARO team to showcase our latest developments, which this year are presented under our motto ‘The Seat,’” said Hiller. “At RECARO, our vision of ‘driving comfort in the sky’ is all about delivering ingenious seating solutions based on innovative lightweight design and cutting-edge technology. I look forward to connecting with our customers and industry leaders – and, most importantly, gathering valuable feedback."
