The airline has operationalized the first aircraft fitted with the new seats.
IndiGo has inducted the first aircraft in its fleet to be fitted with the BL3710 passenger seats from Recaro. Each individual seat weighs less than 10 kg (22 lbs) and has various comfort features integrated into the design. As India’s largest airline looks to expand its international network, the Recaro BL3710 seats will make sure passengers are ferried over long distances in utmost comfort.
Mr. Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo said,
“We are thrilled to be the first airline in the subcontinent to offer the award-winning RECARO Aircraft Seating BL3710 onboard our aircraft. The addition of these new seats to our brand-new A321neo aircraft will elevate the overall travel experience for our customers, providing them with more comfort and convenience on short and medium-haul flights. As we continue to expand our network and offer more flight options, we will remain true to our promise of courteous, hassle-free, on-time, and affordable travel experience.”
The Recaro BL3710
Recaro is a German manufacturer of seats for different purposes such as aviation, automotive, and gaming, among others. The brand’s aviation division turned 50 last year and also saw immense growth, thanks to multiple airlines choosing its products for their planes.
The BL3710 seats were launched in 2019 and were specifically designed for short to medium-haul flights with customizable options to choose from. It offers an ergonomic design and comfort features like integrated neck supports and backrests.
Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO of RECARO Aircraft Seating and RECARO Holding said,
“It’s great to see the BL3710 flying for the first time with IndiGo, as it will elevate the passenger experience for their travellers. This project marked the first of many collaborations with IndiGo and I look forward to supporting their mission of offering efficient service and reliable products for many years to come.”
Recaro also offers the seat with options for a tablet holder, adjustable headrest, and a sliding tray table. However, from the latest images it would appear that IndiGo hasn’t opted for the extras. Information about the amount of difference in legroom available compared to older seats is scarce right now but we do know that each A321neo will squeeze in 232 of these award-winning seats. Of course, IndiGo has opted for the seats to be outfitted in its classic blue color scheme.
Long time coming
IndiGo first announced intentions to upgrade its upcoming aircraft for more passenger comfort back in October 2021. The original plan was to outfit some Airbus A321neo airframes with more comfortable seats, extra legroom, and ovens for hot food options. Then CEO Ronojoy Dutta said planes flying nearly seven hours will be the ones getting these upgrades first. The decision to go the extra mile came after several passenger complaints on long narrowbody flights to destinations like Istanbul.
As Simple Flying reported in July 2022, IndiGo announced it had chosen the Recaro BL3710 seat to be installed on 75 new A320neos and A321neos, the first of which was recently delivered to the airline. With new airlines emerging in Indian aviation, IndiGo must be feeling the heat to stay at the top and improving passenger comfort is a significant step in the right direction.
Source https://simpleflying.com/indigo-first-aircraft-recaro-seats-may-2023/
