On the road to success: the Recaro CL3710 for the economy class

“With the CL3710, which brings together maximum living space and comfort with an extremely light weight, we have once again set the standard for long-haul flights in the economy class,” explains Dr. Mark Hiller, Chief Executive Officer of Recaro Aircraft Seating. With less than 12 kilograms, the CL3710 is the lightest product in its class. At the same time, the CL3710 provides passengers with maximum comfort. Recaro’s entire expertise in ergonomics has flowed into the development of the seat. As part of the product development, 18 patent applications were filed.

One of the new features is the unique, ergonomic, six-way adjustable headrest with an extremely wide height adjustment range to easily accommodate passengers of different heights. It also provides optimized neck support that can be tipped horizontally. The gain in space for passengers is particularly impressive: The CL3710 offers maximum knee and legroom even at a seat pitch of just 29 inches. The armrests on the center seat can be folded up so that they are flush with the backrest, even if the backrest has been put into the reclined position. The modularity of the seat is another convincing feature: Thanks to standardized interfaces, the seat can be optimally adjusted to suit customer requirements.

At the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Recaro is presenting the seat with new features: “On the one hand, we are showing the diversity of the innovative multi-function bridge in the backrest, in which we have integrated USB sockets, a power supply, and a handset,” explains Mark Hiller. “On the other hand, we are exhibiting different IFE configurations. Finally, we are providing increased comfort on long-haul flights through cushions with reinforced foam thickness in the backrest and seat. The padded contour and the seat cover are also designed for added comfort.”

Many airlines are already convinced of the seat’s qualities: Since its premiere at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2013, 20,000 units have been ordered. “We have received orders in the high double-digit million euro range,” Hiller says. “The first seat delivery will start in mid-2014, so passengers will be able to enjoy the unique comfort and living space of our highlight product CL3710 already this year.”

The seat has now also been included in the A350 XWB catalog. “At the moment we are offering two economy class seats in the catalog of this innovative aircraft: In addition to our CL3710, airlines can also choose our well-known CL3620,” says Hiller.

Last but not least, the high-profile jury of the Crystal Cabin Award was also impressed by Recaro’s CL3710: In the category “Passenger Comfort Hardware,” the seat made it into the final round of the only international award which recognizes innovation in the aircraft cabin. The expert panel consisting of scientists, journalists, and representatives of airlines and aircraft manufacturers, will announce the winners on April 8, 2014, at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.