RECARO Aircraft Seating showcases innovative seating solutions at AIX 2026

RECARO Aircraft Seating had an extremely successful year 2025 with a double-digit growth rate and a revenue of 710M€. RECARO invests annually on average 10 % into R&D and driving innovations. The product portfolio is young with nearly 120,000 pax produced in 2025. All the RECARO seating solutions are hand-manufactured. RECARO is ready to unveil its newest economy class and business class seating solutions presenting the R7 Horizon technology demonstrator with advanced features at this year’s AIX.

Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO & Shareholder of RECARO Aircraft Seating and CEO of RECARO Holding commented: “Each year, AIX is an exciting opportunity for the global RECARO team to showcase our latest developments, which this year are presented under our motto ‘The Seat. At RECARO, our vision of ‘driving comfort in the sky’ is all about delivering ingenious seating solutions based on innovative lightweight design and cutting-edge technology. I look forward to connecting with our customers and industry leaders – and, most importantly, gathering valuable feedback. “

RECARO R1 and R2 economy class seats are all about lightweight design. They significantly contribute to reduced fuel consumption, putting importance on sustainability. R1 offers a pre-recline whereas the R2 comes with recline-options up to 5”. The R2 features an innovative adjustable headrest including premium neck support and a variety of cushion options. The R1 and R2 offer optional smart features, a built-in tablet and smartphone holder and USB-C charging. Both seats are dedicated to maximize living space and comfort for short and medium haul flights.

RECARO R Sphere brings sustainability to the forefront of economy class innovation. As a Crystal Cabin Award finalist, the R Sphere economy class sustainability demonstrator features upcycled and certified materials. The certified materials are a recycled PVC cable plate; literature pocket made of upcycled fish nets as well as the wood inlay and are eligible for the R1 and R2. With their lightweight design, they also contribute to the reduction of CO2 during flights. The fish net & the wood-inlay are certified and have been launched by Iberia as part of a mod-kit.

Further features in development are the backrest made from sugarcane, the armrest made of natural fibers, the seat cushions and 100% recyclable dress cover. R7 exemplifies RECARO industry leadership in cabin innovation for business class, combining intelligent, customizable design with seamless technology. The R7 prides itself on the lightweight design by being approx. 20 % lighter than other business-class seating solutions on the market.

RECARO R7 features advanced options, including electrical privacy dividers, increased shell height, and full privacy doors for passenger privacy and comfort. These customizable choices offer passengers a uniquely personal space and create a suite experience. It seamlessly adapts to the A350 and B787, featuring a fully flat 78" bed, ensuring comfortable and restful sleep. It furthermore offers a unique Business Class Plus front-row suite on demand. It is also optimized for the A330, offering a best-in-class seat weight and ensuring optimal space and comfort.

The R7 Horizon, technology demonstrator, embodies the RECARO vision to business class seating innovation.

It includes advanced features, such as:

• The AI-powered seat control by voice: The brand-new voice command technology, available in more than 90 languages, empowering passengers to intuitively adjust their seat through simple spoken instructions.
• The Lumina Sync: By intelligently synchronizing the cabin lighting system and adapting it to individual chronobiological needs, it gently supports rapid adaptation to new time zones, contributing to reduced jetlag. 
• The predictive maintenance capabilities: It enables real-time diagnostics and anticipates maintenance needs, ensuring optimal seat. For more practicality, it is a wireless data management technology.

Some more features will be presented such as the intelligent climate control system among others.

To complete its offer, RECARO has developed the R3 and the R4. The R3 sets a new standard for economy class seating, delivering outstanding comfort and support for narrowbody and widebody aircraft. With a 6-way headrest and an included hidden champion feature the neck-support, plus cushions, and an airy 30"-34" pitch, the R3 is nearly 2kg lighter than its predecessor thanks to advanced carbon-fibre materials. Hand-manufactured in the USA, Germany, and Poland, it is the new standard in comfort and efficiency.

RECARO R4 stands as a showcase of excellence and innovation in premium class seating. Its innovative table design featuring a smooth pop-up and soft-closing mechanism. Passengers enjoy enhanced privacy with privacy wings, a 16" video integration, and easy access to USB-C and power outlets. It has also a fully adjustable 6-way headrest, dedicated amenity storage, ergonomic calf and footrests, ambient lighting and a lower lit-pocket, all designed to maximize comfort, functionality, and personal space.

RECARO introduces the all-new R2 SPRINT (from order to delivery in 8 weeks’ time), replacing the BL3530 SPRINT from Q3 2025. With a modern design and over 15% weight savings, R2 SPRINT elevates comfort for A319, A320, A321, and B737-800/MAX8 cabin.