RECARO Aircraft Seating has begun delivering its new-generation R4 Premium Economy seat to a launch customer, with handovers starting in June and entry into service expected before the end of 2026. The seat, first unveiled at Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg in 2023 and shown again at the 2025 event, has moved from prototype and showcase stage into commercial airline delivery.
The customer has not been named, and RECARO has not confirmed whether All Nippon Airways is the launch operator, despite ANA’s public selection of the R4 at the 2025 expo. ANA plans to use the seat on Boeing 787-9 aircraft in Premium Economy, where the R4 is configured in a 2-3-2 layout. The product forms part of RECARO’s latest cabin line-up and reflects the company’s transition from development and marketing to fleet deployment.
The delivery comes as Premium Economy remains a competitive focus for long-haul airlines looking to refresh cabins without moving to a full premium business-class upgrade. For RECARO, first deliveries provide the earliest indication of how quickly the R4 programme is moving into service across airline fleets.