In the future, Recaro Aircraft Seating will be offering its customers comprehensive service for modification and retrofit projects in the aircraft cabin as a certified Design Organization (DOA). By awarding the certificate, the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) is extending the rights and obligations for the handling and approval of cabin equipment projects to the German aircraft seat manufacturer. This enables customers to save time and money.
The needs of passengers and airlines change during the lifecycle of an aircraft seat. From new seat covers or upholstery cushions, to additional footrests, to fresh colors reflecting corporate design, Recaro is now able to approve these modifications at the component level, as well as cabin components in retrofit projects on the aircraft level – with the charter of the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency). Worldwide, these technical changes to individual aircraft seat components or modifications can now be implemented and approved by Recaro – directly and cost-effectively.
A one-stop shop for modification and retrofit projects
“As a result of our advancement to a Design Organization, our customers are now even better and more fully supported,” explains Oliver Carmincke, Vice President Customer Service at Recaro Aircraft Seating. “As a provider of comprehensive solutions, we reduce the complexity and time required for our customers during modification and retrofit projects and we take care of services that the airlines previously had to handle themselves.” EASA issues the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) after successful showing of compliance by Recaro. This certificate can also be recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and serves as proof that the aircraft can fly with the newly installed seats as well as other modifications.
This certificate is especially interesting in the context of retrofit projects. “Airlines regularly ask for comprehensive services for necessary modifications in the cabin. In the past, inquiries such as these could only be addressed together with other partners, which of course led to additional expenses for our customers,” says Rayk Hey, Head of the Airworthiness Office. If, for example, an airline wants to refresh the interior of its aircraft fleet with new seats after a few years, Recaro is now authorized to carry out the project from A to Z. Today, with Recaro Aircraft Seating, the customer receives everything from a single source – saving money and time,” adds Rayk Hey. Recaro also ensures that necessary modifications in the cabin are implemented in a lawful manner.
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