RECARO Aircraft Seating (RECARO), a global leader in premium aircraft seating solutions, is proud to announce an innovative trial with Iberia. Set to launch in one of the Iberia A320neo cabins this spring, passengers may recognize more sustainable seating features in their hybrid cabin equipped with R1 and R2 economy class seating.
As part of a RECARO offered mod kit, 186 seats will be installed in a selected A320neo cabin for a trial period of at least 6 months, with Iberia as the first RECARO customer that collaborates on these more sustainable seating features. The partnership underlines both companies’ commitment to combine comfort and premium design with a focus on more sustainable aircraft interiors.
Through a step-by-step process, RECARO developed seating mock-ups, gained qualifications, and finally achieved material certification allowing for the implementation of these materials in the cabin. Both the R1 and R2 economy class seating with Iberia will feature upcycled fish net literature pockets and a real wood inlay:
The literature pocket is made from discarded fishing nets that were previously littering the sea. One single-aisle aircraft shipset, such as the A320, removes approximately 2 kg of discarded fishing net material from our oceans.
The seats also incorporate a real wood-based element integrated into the seat’s bumper, using a natural material as part of its design and material concept.
“With these seats, we were able to combine innovation with ingenious design and sustainability,” said Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO of RECARO Aircraft Seating and RECARO Holding.
“We are very proud of this step in bringing a more sustainable seating options to the cabin and partnering with Iberia as our trial customer. This collaboration is a genuine testament to our shared aspiration for a more sustainable future in aviation.”
These innovations are a relevant first step toward the future of more sustainable seating solutions in the aviation industry. Furthermore, through research and development, RECARO is continuing to develop new sustainable and certified materials and technologies.
Each feature can be found in the R Sphere Sustainable Concept Seat developed by RECARO which has been nominated as a finalist for the 2026 Crystal Cabin Award. This reflection of the seat’s innovative vision of seating can be seen during the Aircraft Interiors Expo taking place in Hamburg this April with winners being announced at the awards ceremony on April 14, 2026.
About Iberia
Iberia Líneas Aéreas de España, S.A. Operadora (“Iberia”) is a leading airline company headquartered in Madrid, Spain. Iberia operates as a full-service carrier, specializing in the transportation of passengers, goods, parcels, and postal items via extensive domestic and international routes. The company’s services include warehousing, ground handling, ground equipment provision, in-flight catering, and aircraft maintenance. Iberia and its partners offer a route network spanning Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa, connecting travelers to over 40 countries worldwide.
With more than 95 years in the airline industry, Iberia prioritizes safety and service quality, delivering comfort and convenience to its passengers for every flight. The airline’s commitment to excellence has earned it numerous prestigious awards and accolades as one of the top airlines globally. For further information, please visit www.iberia.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 3,200 employees and sales of approximately 710 million euros in 2025. Known for its ergonomic lightweight designs and a commitment to excellence, RECARO is Driving Comfort In The Sky, by constantly investing in R&D, while maintaining a focus on reliability, efficiency and sustainability. For more information, please visit www.recaro-as.com.
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. Additionally, the brand is represented in the automotive seating business area by the licensee RECARO Automotive and in the child seat and stroller business area by the licensee RECARO Child Safety. RECARO consistently establishes the benchmark for innovation, comfort, and design excellence in seating solutions, supported by an international team of more than 3,400 professionals. With sales of 723 million euros in 2025, the Group underlines its strong presence in the global market. For more information, please visit www.recaro.com.
