Recaro and Airbus present new SFE seat for the A320 Family

Airbus and Recaro plan to offer the 3530Swift seat as Supplier-Furnished Equipment (SFE) for the A320 Family, to become available later this year both in linefit and retrofit. This collaboration is an important milestone in the long-term cooperation between the two companies.

“We are looking forward to being the first seat supplier to deliver SFE seats to Airbus for A320 Family customers,” says Dr. Mark Hiller, Chief Executive Officer and Shareholder of Recaro Aircraft Seating. “The Airbus decision to work with us to integrate our BL3530 as the basis for the new 3530Swift confirms our product strategy focusing on passenger comfort, lightweight design and efficiency. Our consistent performance in terms of process stability, product quality and reliable delivery also played a key role in the decision.”

“Airbus is very pleased to enter into this partnership with Recaro Aircraft Seating – and we are already working with them to bring our A320 Family customers an SFE economy seat option for the first time,” says Heino Ostermeier, Airbus’ Senior Vice President of Cabin Procurement. He adds: “We are confident that Recaro’s 3530Swift will be the right solution to meet the requirements which our customers expect, especially in terms of short lead times, an efficient selection of customization options, reliable scheduling and on-time delivery.”

Once it is fully available to order, airlines would be able to customize the 3530Swift with a choice of combinable catalogue package options which include leather dress covers, comfort cushions, more stowage space and a six-way adjustable headrest. Customers would also be able to select a tablet PC holder and tablet PC stowage as well as a power socket for USB and PC.

"The short-term availability of the 3530Swift will be another convincing argument for the airlines," adds Mark Hiller. “These seats shall be available in predefined, pre-qualified and pre-certified Airbus layouts and catalogue configurations which will save considerable time normally required for individual product approval."

Choosing the multi-award-winning Recaro BL3530 will give Airbus a base product that has set global standards when it comes to passenger living space. The seat takes full advantage of A320 cabin width to offer a comfortable 18 inch width between armrests, while its excellent pitch efficiency will also enable airlines to install more rows in an aircraft whilst maintaining legroom.