RECARO Aircraft Seating (RECARO) and Aer Lingus have partnered to enhance passenger comfort with the inclusion of the R3 in their new A321XLR aircraft, which they are the second airline in the world to operate.
Equipped with the award-winning R3 long-range Economy Class seat, passengers will have access to an enhanced living space and comfort features. These include a 6-way adjustable headrest with integrated neck support, and comfort cushions and arm rests.
The seats are outfitted with customized Aer Lingus dress covers and shamrock insignia, and feature a composite backrest with integrated monitor and USB charging ports. Additionally, all aisle seats include the redesigned RECARO patented steward step, facilitating easier access to overhead bins for both passengers and flight crew.
Developed with a lightweight design, the R3 sets the benchmark for weight in its segment weighing nearly 2 kilograms less than its predecessor. The integration of a lighter, more sustainable seat aligns with the decarbonization across International Airlines Group (IAG) operations, of which Aer Lingus is part.
“At RECARO, we take pride in developing lightweight seating solutions that integrate seamlessly into the overall sustainability plans of our customers like Aer Lingus,” says Mark Hiller, CEO of RECARO Aircraft Seating and RECARO Holding. “The R3 not only enhances passenger comfort but supports our joint efforts towards a sustainable future. This partnership marks a significant milestone as we introduce the R3 into Aer Lingus’ A321XLR fleet.”
Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer, says: “The RECARO R3 seat ensures that customers flying on Aer Lingus’ state-of-the-art Airbus A321XLR aircraft enjoy enhanced comfort, space and convenience as they fly. With its lightweight design, the R3 perfectly balances sustainability and functionality. Featuring adjustable leather headrests, integrated neck support, USB charging ports, and a sleek, modern design, the R3’s innovative design helps Aer Lingus live up to our mission to deliver a seamless and relaxing journey for every customer.”
Founded in 1936, Aer Lingus is the flag carrier of Ireland and a member of the International Airlines Group (IAG). Connecting passengers to over 100 destinations worldwide, Aer Lingus is a Skytrax 4-star airline committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and powering 10% of their flights with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2030.
About Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus is the Irish flag carrier, founded in 1936. Aer Lingus operates over 100 routes from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Knock to Europe, the UK and North America. Reaffirming its commitment to North America, the airline will operate 24 transatlantic routes in 2025 from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester, UK to North America and the Caribbean.
Aer Lingus is a 4-star airline, awarded by Skytrax, the international air transport rating organisation. Aer Lingus is a member of International Airlines Group (IAG), one of the world’s largest airline groups. As part of IAG, Aer Lingus has pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has committed to powering 10% of its flights using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030. www.aerlingus.com
About RECARO Aircraft Seating
RECARO Aircraft Seating combines innovation with comfort since its founding in 1972. Today, the family-owned company is a leading supplier of premium seating solutions in the aviation industry for economy, premium and business class. Headquartered in Schwaebisch Hall, Germany, RECARO has a global presence in China, Poland, South Africa and the United States, with more than 2,900 employees and sales of approximately 576 million euros in 2024. Known for its ergonomic lightweight designs and a commitment to excellence, RECARO strives to shape the future of air travel, by constantly investing in R&D, while maintaining a focus on reliability, efficiency and sustainability.
About RECARO Group
The RECARO Group encompasses the three independently operating divisions RECARO Aircraft Seating headquartered in Schwaebisch Hall, Germany, RECARO Gaming located in Stuttgart, Germany, and RECARO Rail located in Grodzisk Wielkopolski, Poland. RECARO consistently establishes the benchmark for innovation, comfort, and design excellence in seating solutions, supported by an international team of more than 3,100 professionals. With sales of 588 million euros in 2024, the Group underlines its strong presence in the global market.
All images credited to RECARO/Aer Lingus
