Recaro’s bestseller BL3520
Orders for more than 100,000 PAX of the latest economy class seat since market launch
“After the initial deliveries to Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, Germanwings, and Brussels Airlines several other European airlines opted for the economy class seat”, explains Recaro Vice President Sales Thomas Conrady. “SAS in Sweden ordered 4,115 units of the BL3520 for their short-haul fleet, and the Thomas Cook Group chose our comfort package with audio integration adapted for flights up to six hours for their Airbus A320/321 fleet. Since the market launch of our BL3520, we have received orders for more than 100,000 PAX.”
Interest in the newest economy class seat made by Recaro is also remarkably high in the American market. “Customers in the Americas have very clearly communicated to us that the BL3520 hits the sweet spot in terms of living space, weight, and comfort“, says Jim Cangiano, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Recaro Aircraft Seating Americas. “Airlines in the U.S. are flying up to 7-hour segments with their A320/B737 aircraft. So our modular comfort kit – with additional features like modified cushions, IFE, PC power and headrest – turns out to be a critical element for their purchase decision. We expect to see the demand for this product rise in the coming months.” Customizing and production of BL3520 seats in the Recaro plant in Fort Worth for the first U.S. customers are scheduled to start in mid-2012.
Feedback on the BL3520 has also been positive from Asian airlines. All Nippon Airways, the launch customer in Asia, ordered the seat for its B767 domestic fleet aircraft. Hideki Kunugi, ANA Director of Aircraft Purchasing & Sales, explains the decision to order the new BL3520 seat: “ANA is proud to be the launch customer in Asia for the BL3520. We selected this seat because of its compelling weight, design, and comfort. In combination with Recaro’s quality and performance, it is absolutely the right product for Japan’s important domestic market.”
Modified for more comfort on long-haul flights
New BL3520 options are designed to enhance passenger comfort on long-haul flights: The foam thickness in the backrest and seat cushion is reinforced. The padding contour and seat cover materials are designed for added comfort. The seat covers are available in fabric or leather combinations.
Furthermore, the headrest can be integrated into the contour of the backrest or attached to the surface, the 6-way adjustable headrest features height and angle adjustment along with Vshaped side wings. In addition, the seat can be ordered with a touch screen video monitor integrated into the backrest. An audio/video control unit with PC and headphone access along with channel selector and volume control is located in the new armrest.