MHI RJ Aviation Group (MHI RJ) has partnered with Expliseat to introduce the French manufacturer’s next-generation lightweight seating solutions to the CRJ regional jet aftermarket, marking another step in the modernisation of one of the world’s largest regional aircraft fleets.
Announced during the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow, the strategic collaboration will see Expliseat become an approved seating supplier for the CRJ platform, expanding the range of cabin upgrade solutions available to operators looking to improve fuel efficiency, passenger comfort and operational performance.
Driving cabin modernisation through lightweight design
The collaboration is expected to provide CRJ operators with a practical solution to reduce aircraft weight while extending the operational life of their fleets. According to Expliseat, installing its composite seating technology on a typical CRJ700 can reduce aircraft weight by more than 1,000 lbs, while a CRJ900 in a typical European configuration could achieve weight savings of up to 1,200 lbs.
The reduction is made possible through Expliseat’s carbon fibre and titanium seat architecture, which delivers significant weight savings without compromising passenger comfort or durability.
Antonio Ficca, Vice President Strategy & Marketing at Expliseat, said the collaboration represents an important milestone for the company. “This collaboration allows Expliseat to expand its footprint across one of the world’s most widely operated regional jet platforms,” he said.
Supporting sustainability
For regional airlines, reducing cabin weight translates directly into lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions and improved operating economics. As airlines continue to focus on fleet efficiency and sustainability, lightweight cabin interiors are becoming an increasingly important part of aircraft retrofit programmes.
Expliseat’s seating solutions are already flying on a range of regional aircraft, including Embraer E-Jets, ATR turboprops and De Havilland Dash 8 aircraft, helping operators improve efficiency while maintaining high levels of passenger comfort.
Current customers include Air Canada Jazz, which has installed the TiSeat 2 V on its Dash 8-400 fleet, Air Tahiti, which operates the TiSeat E2 on its ATR 72 aircraft, and Air France HOP!, which recently selected the TiSeat 2X for its Embraer E190 fleet.
CRJ market
Expliseat also confirmed that its first CRJ installation programme is already underway with an undisclosed North American customer, signalling growing market acceptance of its lightweight seating technology.
Ficca noted that the TiSeat 2X is expected to become the preferred solution for most CRJ operators, as its specifications closely align with the requirements of the platform. Airlines seeking to introduce a premium cabin configuration will also have the option of integrating the company’s TiSeat S in the forward cabin.
He added that the company is well positioned to support both North American and European CRJ operators, with only minimal engineering adaptations required for different cabin layouts.
For MHI RJ Aviation Group, adding Expliseat to its aftermarket portfolio enhances the range of cabin retrofit solutions available to CRJ operators as the aircraft continues to play an important role in regional aviation.
The partnership reflects a broader industry trend towards extending aircraft lifecycles through cabin modernisation rather than fleet replacement. By combining lightweight materials with proven seating technology, the collaboration offers airlines an opportunity to improve fuel efficiency, reduce operating costs and refresh the passenger experience while maximising the long-term value of their CRJ fleets.
As regional carriers continue investing in cabin upgrades, lightweight seating is expected to play an increasingly important role in delivering both environmental and commercial benefits across the regional aviation sector.
