Recaro Aircraft Seating has unveiled a new seating solution for Airbus that will allow increased passenger capacity from 190 to 194 passengers while meeting the 13-inch passageway requirement for emergency exits.
Recaro claims that the X-Tend Seat product will potentially eliminate extra legroom in emergency seats ultimately leading to improved cabin efficiency that will enable the airlines to operate at maximum capacity configuration.
A typical Airbus A320neo, with its typical two-class arrangement, can accommodate between 150 and 180 passengers, while the maximum seating capacity reaches 194 passengers.
The X-Tend Seat features a shorter seat pan along with a flip-up extension. When the extension is not in use, it ensures a 13-inch gap between rows at the emergency exit, as required. When the extension is flipped into place, the seat looks like a regular cushion
Commenting on the new product, Mark Hiller, the chief executive, RECARO Aircraft Seating and RECARO Holding, said: “The X-Tend Seat is an exciting addition to our competencies, as RECARO is committed to providing our customers with a valuable and innovative portfolio of seating solutions. This design collaboration with Airbus is unlike anything currently seen on the market and has been an important step in our partnership.”
With the new seating product Recaro aims to impact economy cabin configurations on narrowbody Airbus jets, specifically for short and mid-range flights.
