Aer Lingus Installs Recaro’s R3 Seats on its First A321XLR
Originally published on APEX
The partnership between Recaro Aircraft Seating (Recaro) and Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus has reached a new milestone. Recaro has equipped Aer Lingus’ first Airbus A321XLR with its R3 long-range economy-class seat, marking the first time the R3 has been equipped on that aircraft type.
The R3: Ultra-Lightweight, Yet Passenger-Centric
The R3 economy-class seat is designed specifically for long-range, single-aisle aircraft. It first took flight with Iberia, a fellow member of International Airlines Group (IAG) and the launch customer for the Airbus A321XLR in December 2024.
The product boasts an ultra-lightweight design enabled by the use advanced composite materials that is nearly 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) less than its predecessor. The weight reduction directly translates into fuel savings and thereby reduced emissions. RECARO Aircraft Seating and RECARO Holding CEO Mark Hiller explained, “The R3 not only enhances passenger comfort but supports our joint efforts towards a sustainable future.”
However, it also includes multiple passenger-centric upgrades engineered specifically for medium and long-haul operations to provide passengers with enhanced living space and comfort features. These include a six-way adjustable headrest featuring integrated neck support, plush cushions and comfortable armrests.
Furthermore, all aisle seats will feature the redesigned and Recaro-patented “steward step,” making accessing the overhead bins easier for passengers and flight crew. Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer Susanne Carberry stated, “The R3 seat ensures that customers flying on Aer Lingus’ state-of-the-art Airbus A321XLR aircraft enjoy enhanced comfort, space and convenience as they fly.”
Transatlantic Comfort on Aer Lingus Flights
Aer Lingus’ A321XLR are configured in a two-class layout with 184 seats: 16 in business class and 168 in economy.
The R3 economy-class seats have been customized with dress covers featuring the shamrock insignia to showcase the Irish flag carrier’s brand identity. They offer a seat pitch of 30 to 31-inches, a composite backrest, USB-C charging ports and 12-inch integrated 4K monitors with Bluetooth connectivity to ensure seamless integration with the airline’s in-flight entertainment offerings. Carberry added, “R3’s innovative design helps Aer Lingus live up to our mission to deliver a seamless and relaxing journey for every customer.”
Due to Ireland’s geographic location, the A321XLR enables the Aer Lingus to efficiently serve transatlantic routes to destinations across North America. The A321XLR, which has the economics of a narrow-body aircraft, will allow Aer Lingus to serve cities such as Nashville and Indianapolis from this summer. The airline currently operates two A321XLRs and is awaiting the delivery of four more.
Recaro Announces More New Customers at AIX
During the 2025 Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), Recaro revealed All Nippon Airways (ANA) has selected the R3 economy-class and R4 premium-class seats for its next-generation Boeing 787-9 long-haul international aircraft due for delivery from 2026.
The R3 seats will provide passengers with a seat pitch of between 33- to 34-inches, while the R4 will include an enlarged seat pitch of 40-inches and an increased recline of two inches, providing passengers with more relaxation on long-haul flights. The R3 and R4 seats will also feature USB-C charging ports and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling passengers to utilize their own headphones and devices.
Elsewhere, Recaro announced it will provide the seats for Azul Linhas Aérea’s new Airbus A330 fleet, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2025. The Brazilian carrier will use Recaro’s CL6710 seats in business class and its CL3710 product in economy. “Choosing Recaro as our seating partner reaffirms our commitment to offering unparalleled comfort and reliability to our passengers,” stated Azul’s President Abhi Shan. The airline has utilized Recaro’s seats for its existing A330s.
