Responding to growing demand, Alaska Airlines recently announced plans to bolster premium seating capacity on more than 200 Boeing 737s, including offering a larger First Class cabin aboard its Boeing 737-800s, and additional extra-legroom Premium Class seats on its Boeing 787-900ER and Boeing 737 MAX 9 twinjets.
Now the carrier’s longtime partner, Recaro Aircraft Seating, has revealed it will provide both its R5 recliners and R2 slimline seats to accommodate the retrofit of Alaska’s 737-800 and MAX 8 aircraft, comprising 79 aircraft and representing a pax count of 12,719.
Alaska currently operates 59 737-800s and a handful of MAX 8s, but is in line to receive more of the latter for a total of 20. Seat deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter, says Recaro. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
“As the launch customer for R5 in 2017, Alaska will bring an enhanced level of comfort to their passengers by making significant upgrades to the seats,” confirms the seatmaker in reference to the newly-honed R5 seats (formerly known as CL4710) for Alaska Airlines’ -800s and MAX 8s.
“Seating will prioritize passenger comfort with a six-way adjustable headrest and calf rest. It will also feature a BYOD holder integrated into the seat back and USB-C connectivity.”
The R5 is a passenger-pleasing recliner, and it’s getting a refresh under this new retrofit project for the -800s and MAX 8s. Alaska Airlines will also expand First Class from 12 seats to 16 on both aircraft types. Image: Alaska Airlines
Retrofitted 737-800s and MAX 8s will also feature Recaro’s R2 slimline in Main Cabin and Premium Class. Formerly known as the BL3710, the award-winning R2, notes Recaro, “is a lighter, more modern version of the seat currently in flight and will be equipped with a comfort plus cushion”.
“The R2 with its lightweight-design will allow for a more efficient cabin layout without compromising passenger space,” it continues. “This change will play a role in reducing the cabin weight and support sustainability initiatives of both Recaro and Alaska.”
Passengers in Main Cabin and Premium Class should expect new device holders with built-in cup holders, USB-C charging and a six-way headrest with dedicated neck support.
Though it is bolstering its premium seat mix, Alaska says its Boeing twinjets will maintain four lavatories for use. Image: Alaska Airlines
Under Alaska Airlines’ broader fleet retrofit plan, the 16-seat First Class cabins aboard its 79 Boeing 787-900ERs and 80 Boeing 737 MAX 9s will remain the same but it intends to increase extra-legroom Premium Class from 24 to 30 seats on each aircraft type.
And, as Alaska modifies the 737-900ERs to increase Premium Class by converting six Main Cabin seats, “these aircraft will receive an interior refresh, bringing modern touches like device holders in the main cabin to the backbone of our fleet,” assures the carrier.
“All MAX 9 aircraft, among the newest in our fleet, will also get six additional seats converted to their Premium cabins, enhancing the comfort and luxury that our guests enjoy.”
The expansion will add 1.3 million premium seats annually to the mainline fleet. Earlier this year, the carrier retrofitted its entire regional fleet, adding 400,000 Premium Class seats to its Embraer E175 aircraft.
Retrofits start next year and are expected to be completed by 2026.
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Featured image credited to Recaro
