Key Takeaways
• Luxair chooses Recaro R2 seats for Embraer E195-E2, debuting November 2025 with 136-seat two-by-two layout.
• Recaro R2 features six-way adjustable headrest, tablet holder, and 60W USB-C power for passenger comfort and tech.
• This marks the first Recaro inclusion in Embraer’s SFE catalogue, ending over 20 years of single-seat supplier monopoly.
Luxair’s New Recaro R2 Seats Set to Transform Passenger Experience on Embraer E195-E2 Fleet
Luxair, the national airline of Luxembourg 🇱🇺, has made a major move to improve comfort and technology for its passengers by choosing Recaro R2 seats for its new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. This decision, announced on May 20, 2025, is not just about new seats—it marks a big change in how airlines can choose and customize their aircraft interiors. The first of these new planes is set to arrive in November 2025, with passengers expected to enjoy the upgraded seating by December, just in time for the busy holiday travel season.
This article explains what this change means for travelers, why it matters for the aviation industry, and how it could affect airlines, passengers, and the companies involved. We’ll also look at the background of this decision, what makes the Recaro R2 seats special, and what it could mean for the future of regional air travel.
What’s Happening: The Key Details
Luxair has ordered the Recaro R2 seat, a new and advanced seat model, for its Embraer E195-E2 jets. This is the first time an airline has chosen a seat from the new Recaro-Embraer Seller Furnished Equipment (SFE) catalogue. For over 20 years, Embraer had only one seat supplier in its SFE catalogue. Now, with Recaro joining as a supplier, airlines like Luxair have more choices and can offer better comfort to their passengers.
The new seats will be installed on Luxair’s Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, which will have a single-class layout with 136 seats. The planes will use a two-by-two seating arrangement, meaning there are no middle seats—every passenger gets either a window or an aisle seat. This is a big plus for comfort, especially compared to larger planes that have three seats on each side.
Why This Matters: Passenger Comfort and Airline Choice
For travelers, the new Recaro R2 seats mean a more comfortable and enjoyable flight. The seats come with several features designed to make flying easier and more pleasant:
- Six-way adjustable headrest with neck support and extra cushioning for better comfort
- Tablet holder so passengers can watch movies or work easily
- Astronics Ultralite Generation 2 USB-C 60W in-seat power system, allowing fast charging for phones, tablets, and laptops
These features address common complaints from passengers, such as uncomfortable seats and not being able to charge devices during flights. By choosing these seats, Luxair is showing that it cares about its passengers’ needs and is willing to invest in their comfort.
For airlines, having more seat suppliers in the SFE catalogue means more options to customize their planes. This can help airlines stand out in a competitive market and meet the changing expectations of travelers.
How the Deal Came Together: The Background
The partnership between Luxair, Recaro, and Embraer is the result of years of planning and cooperation. Since 2023, Recaro and Embraer have worked together to create a special seating catalogue for Embraer’s E1 and E2 aircraft. This catalogue includes both the R1 and R2 seat models, each with different features that airlines can choose from.
Before this, Embraer had only one seat supplier for over two decades. The addition of Recaro as a supplier is a big change. It brings more competition to the market, which can lead to better products and lower prices for airlines.
Luxair’s decision to be the first airline to order from this new catalogue is important. It shows confidence in the new seats and sets an example for other airlines that may be considering similar upgrades.
What Makes the Recaro R2 Seats Special?
The Recaro R2 seat is designed with the modern traveler in mind. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Comfort: The seat has a six-way adjustable headrest, which means passengers can move it up, down, forward, backward, and tilt it to fit their needs. The neck support and extra cushioning help reduce fatigue, especially on longer flights.
- Technology: The built-in USB-C power system is one of the most advanced in the industry. It provides 60 watts of power, enough to charge even large devices like laptops quickly. This is a big improvement over older USB ports that charge slowly or don’t work with newer devices.
- Convenience: The tablet holder is designed to fit most devices, making it easy for passengers to watch movies, read, or work without having to hold their device the whole time.
- Design: The seats are lightweight, which helps the airline save fuel and reduce costs. They also look modern and stylish, which can improve the overall feel of the cabin.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
Several leaders from Luxair, Embraer, and Recaro have spoken about the importance of this deal.
- Gilles Feith, CEO of Luxair: “We are proud to be the first airline to select the R2 seat from the RECARO-Embraer SFE catalogue. This decision underscores Luxair’s unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional onboard experience, driven by quality, innovation, and comfort. The R2 comfort package aligns perfectly with our brand promise, and it will allow us to further elevate the travel experience for our passengers. We look forward to introducing these seats on our new E2 aircraft later this year.”
- Fernando Antonio Oliveira, VP Programs at Embraer Commercial Aviation: “RECARO Aircraft Seating adds more choice for our customers and reinforces our commitment to enhancing the passenger experience while delivering value to airlines. The RECARO seats look great in our cabins, bring additional options and low weight for our airline customers, and more comfort and amenities for their passengers.”
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Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO of Recaro Aircraft Seating and Recaro Holding: “We are immensely proud to announce that Luxair has selected our R2 seat from the new RECARO-Embraer SFE catalogue. This achievement marks a significant milestone as we establish our presence in the Embraer Seller Furnished Equipment market.”
Luxair’s Fleet Expansion and Strategy
Luxair’s decision to upgrade its seating is part of a larger plan to grow and modernize its fleet. In December 2024, Luxair placed another order for more Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, even before receiving its first deliveries. This shows strong confidence in the aircraft and in the airline’s future growth.
Marie-Louise Philippe, SVP Sales and Marketing, Head of Region Europe and Central Asia at Embraer Commercial Aviation, said, “The E2 is perfectly suited to Luxair’s operations and ambitions, closely complementing Luxair’s existing and on-order fleet, ensuring the maximum level of fleet and network optimization to the airline for the long-term.”
By choosing the Embraer E195-E2, Luxair is focusing on efficiency, comfort, and flexibility. The E195-E2 is known for its fuel efficiency and lower emissions, which also helps the airline meet environmental goals.
About Luxair: A Brief Overview
Luxair has been Luxembourg’s national airline since 1961. It plays a key role in connecting Luxembourg 🇱🇺 to more than 90 destinations across Europe and beyond. In 2024, Luxair carried over 2.6 million passengers, making it an important part of the country’s economy and transportation network.
The airline is known for its focus on quality service and operational efficiency. The decision to upgrade to Recaro R2 seats fits with Luxair’s reputation for putting passengers first and staying ahead of industry trends.
Industry Impact: What This Means for Airlines and Passengers
The introduction of Recaro R2 seats on Luxair’s Embraer E195-E2 jets could have a ripple effect across the aviation industry. Here’s how:
- For Airlines: More choice in seat suppliers means airlines can better match their cabins to their brand and passenger needs. It can also lead to better prices and more innovation as suppliers compete for business.
- For Passengers: Travelers can expect more comfortable and tech-friendly cabins, even on shorter regional flights. Features like adjustable headrests and fast device charging are becoming standard, not just luxury extras.
- For Suppliers: The move breaks a long-standing monopoly in Embraer’s SFE catalogue, opening the door for other suppliers to enter the market and offer new products.
How the New Seats Could Change the Flying Experience
The new Recaro R2 seats are designed to make flying more enjoyable for everyone. Here’s what passengers can look forward to:
- No Middle Seats: With the two-by-two layout, every seat is either by the window or the aisle. This means more space and less crowding.
- Better Rest: The adjustable headrest and extra cushioning help passengers relax and arrive feeling less tired.
- Stay Connected: The powerful USB-C charging ports mean passengers can keep their devices powered up for work or entertainment.
- Modern Look: The new seats give the cabin a fresh, modern feel, which can make the whole travel experience more pleasant.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Luxair and the Industry
Luxair’s move to install Recaro R2 seats on its Embraer E195-E2 jets is likely just the beginning. As more airlines see the benefits of these seats, it’s possible that other carriers will follow Luxair’s lead. This could lead to a new standard for comfort and technology on regional flights.
The partnership between Luxair, Recaro, and Embraer also shows how working together can bring better products to market. By listening to what passengers want and using the latest technology, airlines can improve the travel experience and stay competitive.
Official Resources and Further Information
For those interested in learning more about airline seating regulations and standards, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) provides detailed information on aircraft interiors and safety requirements. This is a helpful resource for understanding how seats are tested and approved for use in commercial aircraft.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the introduction of Recaro R2 seats on Luxair’s Embraer E195-E2 fleet is a significant step forward in passenger comfort and airline choice. It reflects a broader trend in the aviation industry toward more personalized and comfortable travel experiences.
Key Takeaways and Practical Guidance
- For Travelers: If you’re flying with Luxair later in 2025 or beyond, you can expect a more comfortable and tech-friendly experience on the Embraer E195-E2. Look for flights on these aircraft if you value comfort and the ability to charge your devices.
- For Airlines: The new Recaro-Embraer SFE catalogue offers more options for cabin customization. Consider how these new seats could help your airline stand out and meet passenger expectations.
- For Industry Watchers: Keep an eye on how this move affects other airlines and suppliers. More competition in the seating market could lead to better products and lower costs across the industry.
Conclusion
Luxair’s decision to install Recaro R2 seats on its Embraer E195-E2 aircraft is more than just a seat upgrade—it’s a sign of changing times in the aviation industry. With more choices for airlines and better comfort for passengers, this move could set a new standard for regional air travel in Europe and beyond. As the first airline to order from the new Recaro-Embraer SFE catalogue, Luxair is leading the way in putting passenger needs at the center of its operations. Travelers, airlines, and industry experts alike will be watching closely to see how this change shapes the future of flying.
Learn Today
Recaro R2 seat → Advanced aircraft seat with adjustable headrest, tablet holder, and 60W USB-C charging for enhanced passenger comfort.
Embraer E195-E2 → Modern regional jet with improved fuel efficiency, seating flexibility, and environmental performance for airlines.
Seller Furnished Equipment (SFE) → Catalogue of aircraft interior components airlines can select to customize planes from approved suppliers.
Astronics Ultralite Generation 2 → A USB-C power system providing 60 watts for fast charging of passenger electronic devices on flights.
Two-by-two seating layout → Airplane seat arrangement with two seats on each side and no middle seats, enhancing passenger comfort.
This Article in a Nutshell
Luxair is transforming regional air travel by adopting Recaro R2 seats on Embraer E195-E2 jets. New seating offers unmatched comfort, two-by-two layout, and advanced charging. Arriving November 2025, this upgrade sets a new benchmark for passenger experience and airline customization options in Europe’s aviation market.
— By VisaVerge.com
