EasyJet Cabin Revamp Cuts Seat Weight By 20%

UK LCC EasyJet is switching from Recaro to Mirus seats for 237 Airbus deliveries from 2028 onward and adding six extra seats to 116 A320neos/ceos through SpaceFlex upgrades.

On March 23, easyJet named UK-based manufacturer Mirus Aircraft Seating as its new seating supplier. EasyJet’s fleet is primarily equipped with Recaro SL3510s, although this will switch to the SL3710 for deliveries ahead of the changeover to Mirus Kestrel seats in 2028. Recaro Aircraft Seating is based in Fort Worth, Texas.

An easyJet spokesperson said the Kestrel seat is more than 20% lighter than the SL3510, with up to 2 in. of additional legroom. EasyJet’s existing seats have a 28-in. to 29-in. pitch.

Kestrels will be installed on 107 incoming A320neos and 130 A321neos from 2028. There are no current plans to retrofit the existing fleet, the spokesperson said. EasyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis described the ultra-lightweight seat as “class leading,” saving up to 500 kg (1,100 lb.) per aircraft, more than 12,936 metric tons of fuel per year and 40,513 metric tons of CO2. This fits with easyJet’s focus on “small incremental gains” to minimize fuel burn and CO2 emissions.

Mirus designed the Kestrel for short- and medium-haul operations. Its 22-deg. pre-reclined curved back creates extra legroom, knee and shin clearance, without changing the seat pitch. The Kestrel also has a simplified design and low part count, cutting maintenance costs. At end of life, it is approximately 98% recyclable.

The 237-aircraft deal is one of Mirus’ largest single aircraft type contracts since the company was founded in 2015. “This landmark agreement marks a defining moment for Mirus,” company CEO Ben McGuire said.

Alongside the Mirus selection, easyJet will begin introducing Airbus SpaceFlex cabins this year. This means the rear galley and lavatory layout will be optimized, freeing up space for an additional six-seat row per A320. The easyJet spokesman said nine A320ceos are slated to be upgraded from 180 to 186 seats, along with 107 incoming A320neos.

EasyJet’s A321ceos/neos will remain unchanged, at 235 seats. EasyJet has over 350 aircraft, deployed across more than 1,000 routes. The airline is phasing out its oldest A319ceos and A320ceos and replacing them with A320neos and A321neos. More than a quarter of the fleet is now made up of neos.