Recaro Aircraft Seating receives Lilienthal Award 2012

The Lilienthal Award recognizes particularly innovative and market-oriented achievements that serve as an example for the aviation industry and promote its future viability. The decision to confer the award to Recaro Aircraft Seating came following an unanimous vote by the panel of judges appointed by the Lilienthal Award Foundation, and consisting of numerous aerospace experts from scientific institutions and the industry.

The company received the award for the BL3520 – a product which has been successfully launched in the market: “We are delighted to receive the Lilienthal Award for our innovative economy class seat,” said Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO of Recaro Aircraft Seating. “Our BL3520 is a great success: Not only has it convinced several panels of experts – the Lilienthal Award is already the fourth prize that we have won for this seat – but thanks to its unique combination of lightweight design, comfort and living space, numerous airlines worldwide have opted for this product. Since the market launch in late 2010, we have received orders for over 100,000 seats.”

Outstanding comfort package

Recaro Aircraft Seating was able to accomplish large reductions in weight with the BL3520 – each seat weighs three kilograms less than its predecessor, making it 30 percent lighter than the previous model. In this way, the BL3520 contributes to improved fuel economy and a reduction in the aircraft’s CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the BL3520 offers passengers more living space than comparable products. This is possible thanks to a leaner, space-saving backrest combined with patented Recaro solutions including a higher literature pocket. Instead of being placed in the passenger’s knee area, it is located above the tray table which ensures an outstanding level of passenger comfort. Airlines can install additional rows of seats and still offer more legroom, which has a positive effect on their profit.

Prestigious award

The Lilienthal Award is conferred under the auspices of the Prime Minister of Brandenburg, Matthias Platzeck, and the mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit. 2012 marks the ninth time that it has been awarded. For the first time, this year there were more contenders for the Lilienthal Award who come from outside the Berlin-Brandenburg region. Recaro Aircraft Seating is the second company not located in Berlin-Brandenburg to receive this honor since the first award ceremony in 2004.