Translation note: This article was translated with the assistance of AI.
Recaro Aircraft Seating has delivered its R2 economy class seat to a U.S. airline for the first time. American Airlines is equipping its first-generation Embraer E175 aircraft with the Recaro R2, marking the seat’s entry into the North American regional aviation market for the manufacturer based in Schwäbisch Hall, Germany.
Certification Status a Key Selection Criterion
According to Recaro, two factors were decisive in the selection of the R2: the seat’s advanced certification status and the manufacturer’s ability to meet the airline’s planned entry-into-service schedule. For aircraft cabin suppliers, these are critical considerations, as certification delays can significantly disrupt fleet introductions and generate additional costs for airlines.
Designed for short- and medium-haul operations, the R2 features a slim backrest that, according to the manufacturer, provides additional knee room. Other features include a six-way adjustable headrest and an integrated tablet holder. For American Airlines, the seats are fitted with custom upholstery designed to complement the fleet’s new cabin interior.
Rhonda Crawford, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience Design and Strategy at American Airlines, sees the introduction of the new seats as a contribution to a more consistent passenger experience across the airline.
Recaro and Embraer Expand Their Partnership
The E175 installation is part of a partnership between Recaro and Embraer that dates back to 2023. The two companies jointly developed a seat catalog for the E1 and E2 generations of the Embraer E-Jet family. The catalog includes the R1 and R2 economy class models, allowing airlines to select the corresponding seat configurations directly when ordering their aircraft.
The seats are offered as Seller Furnished Equipment (SFE), meaning they are available through the aircraft manufacturer’s equipment catalog. For seat manufacturers, inclusion in such a catalog facilitates access to aircraft programs and potential airline customers.
In May 2025, Luxair became the first airline to select the R2 from the joint Recaro-Embraer catalog. With American Airlines, Recaro has now secured another customer for this seating solution.
Mark Hiller, CEO of Recaro Aircraft Seating, describes the introduction of the R2 on American Airlines’ Embraer E175 as a significant milestone for the company. The partnership with Embraer is expected to further strengthen Recaro’s position in the regional aircraft cabin market.
Image: Embraer via Recaro