The new R4 succeeds the PL3530 with enhanced ergonomics, premium features, greater connectivity, and increased cabin customization for airlines
RECARO Aircraft Seating has introduced the R4, its latest Premium Class seating solution designed to combine enhanced passenger comfort and ergonomics with greater operational flexibility for airlines.
Positioned as the successor to the company’s PL3530, which was launched in 2015, the R4 has been developed to address the changing expectations of both passengers and airline operators. The new seat brings together a range of upgraded comfort, connectivity and usability features while retaining RECARO’s focus on lightweight seating design.
The R4 is currently ETSO-certified for the Boeing 787, with additional certifications in progress. Deliveries of the new seat began in June 2026, while entry into service is expected later this year.
Enhanced premium class passenger experience
At the heart of the R4’s design is a focus on improving the passenger experience through a combination of ergonomics, privacy, connectivity and personalized comfort.
The seat is equipped with a 16-inch monitor, providing passengers with an enhanced inflight entertainment experience. A six-way adjustable headrest with integrated neck support is also incorporated into the design, giving passengers greater flexibility to adjust their seating position and support during the flight.
Privacy has been further enhanced through the integration of privacy wings, while side ambient lighting adds to the overall cabin environment. The privacy wings also incorporate an integrated reading light, providing passengers with a dedicated source of illumination without affecting the surrounding cabin environment.
Connectivity has also been considered in the R4’s design. The seat can accommodate a wide range of power options, allowing airlines to configure the seat to support passengers’ charging and connectivity requirements throughout their journey.
Designed for flexibility and accessibility
Beyond passenger comfort, RECARO has incorporated features intended to provide airlines with greater operational flexibility. The R4 includes a side console with dedicated access for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM). The design is intended to support accessibility while maintaining the premium character of the seat.
Another key addition is the newly developed extra-wide single-plate tray table. The tray table features a soft open-and-close mechanism designed to improve ease of use, while an integrated PED holder provides a dedicated location for passengers to place smartphones and tablets.
The integration of a PED holder reflects the growing importance of personal electronic devices within the passenger journey, enabling travelers to use their own devices more conveniently while seated.
Cabin customization
RECARO has also designed the R4 to give airlines greater scope to align their Premium Class cabins with their individual brand identities.
The seat offers customization options across colour, trim and finish, allowing operators to develop a distinctive cabin aesthetic rather than relying on a standardized seat appearance. This flexibility can enable airlines to integrate the R4 more closely with their existing cabin design and broader passenger experience strategy.
The combination of customization, connectivity and passenger-focused features is intended to give airlines a Premium Class seating solution that can be adapted to different cabin concepts and brand requirements.
Building on the PL3530
The R4 builds on the experience RECARO gained through the PL3530, which has been part of the company’s Premium Class portfolio since its introduction in 2015. According to RECARO, the new seat continues its focus on lightweight design, while adding features aimed at improving passenger comfort, ergonomics and usability.
“We are proud to introduce the R4, the latest addition to our Premium Class portfolio,” said Mark Hiller, CEO and Shareholder of RECARO Aircraft Seating and CEO of RECARO Holding. “Building on the success of the PL3530, the R4 reflects our commitment to combining comfort, ergonomics, and premium features in a seating solution designed to meet the evolving expectations of both airlines and passengers.”
With deliveries already underway and entry into service anticipated later in 2026, the R4 marks RECARO’s latest step in the development of its Premium Class seating portfolio, bringing together passenger-centric design, connectivity, accessibility, and cabin personalization in a single platform.
