RECARO Aircraft Seating and Iberia have launched a trial of sustainable economy class seats on an A320neo aircraft. The test installs 186 RECARO R1 and R2 seats in a hybrid cabin layout as part of a RECARO modification kit, running for at least six months starting this spring.
These seats incorporate certified sustainable features: literature pockets made from upcycled discarded fishing nets, removing approximately 2 kg of ocean waste per single-aisle aircraft shipset, and real wood inlays integrated into the seat bumpers. RECARO developed these through mock-ups, qualifications, and material certifications to blend comfort, premium design, and environmental responsibility.
Iberia becomes the first airline to collaborate with RECARO on these features. Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO of RECARO Aircraft Seating and RECARO Holding, stated, “With these seats, we were able to combine innovation with ingenious design and sustainability. We are very proud of this step in bringing more sustainable seating options to the cabin and partnering with Iberia as our trial customer.”
The partnership aligns with industry trends toward lightweight, recyclable materials in aircraft interiors, as seen in Crystal Cabin Awards 2026 finalists. RECARO’s related R Sphere concept, a modular seat saving 1.5 kg per passenger and using similar materials like sugarcane-based composites, underscores ongoing sustainability efforts. This trial evaluates practical implementation of eco-friendly cabin components while maintaining passenger comfort standards.