TAP’s relationship with aircraft seating giant Recaro continues to evolve. The carrier’s newest plane now flies the latest generation economy seats. TAP was the first announced customer for SL3710 seat, and its new A320neo is the first European Airbus aircraft to be equipped with the economy class seat, according to Recaro.
The SL3710 taking flight is a significant milestone for our partnership with TAP. We really enjoy collaborating with TAP and value their commitment to innovation and the future of aviation.
– Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO and Shareholder of Recaro Aircraft Seating
The cabin features a mix of SL3710 and BL3710 seats in a “hybrid” configuration that allows for flexible expansion of the business class cabin via a moveable divider on board.
In addition to a 5-inch recline, the BL3710 features a six-way adjustable headrest with neck support that enhances passenger relaxation during flight. It also shares spare parts with the SL3710, minimizing maintenance downtime and costs.
The SL3710 does not feature the advanced headrests. But, to maintain consistency with the rest of TAP’s legacy fleet the new seats are fitted with coverings of the same colors as the Recaro BL3530 and SL3510 aircraft seats currently flying.
Broad global adoption of SL3710
The TAP installation represents the first SL3710s to fly on an Airbus for a European airline, according to Recaro. But the SL3710 has seen broad adoption across the globe. The lightweight seats – just 8kg per passenger – are popular for higher density economy class configurations.
Other carriers with the SL3710 flying today include Frontier on its newest A320neo planes. WizzAir also took delivery of its first A321neo with the new seats installed. Those two are part of a massive order from Indigo Partners for more than 100,000 SL3710 seats across the company’s family of four airlines.
KLM also chose the SL3710/BL3710 combo on its refreshed 737-800s and the first Embraer line-fit installs for Recaro.
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