The upgraded seating will include a six-way adjustable headrest, calf rest, BYOD holder integrated into the seat back, and USB-C connectivity. The R5 recliner is undergoing a refresh under this new retrofit project. Alaska Airlines plans to expand First Class from 12 seats to 16 on both aircraft types.
The retrofitted aircraft will also feature Recaro’s R2 slimline seats in Main Cabin and Premium Class. Formerly known as BL3710, the award-winning R2 is described by Recaro as “a lighter, more modern version of the seat currently in flight” equipped with a comfort plus cushion.
“The R2 with its lightweight design will allow for a more efficient cabin layout without compromising passenger space,” added Recaro. “This change will play a role in reducing cabin weight and support sustainability initiatives of both Recaro and Alaska.”
Main Cabin and Premium Class passengers can expect new device holders with built-in cup holders, USB-C charging ports, and six-way headrests with dedicated neck support.
Despite increasing its premium seat mix, Alaska Airlines stated that its Boeing twinjets would maintain four lavatories for passenger use.
Under Alaska Airlines’ broader fleet retrofit plan, First Class cabins aboard its Boeing 787-900ERs and Boeing 737 MAX 9s will remain at 16 seats each. However, extra-legroom Premium Class seating will increase from 24 to 30 seats per aircraft type.
As part of modifying the Boeing 737-900ERs to add Premium Class by converting six Main Cabin seats, these aircraft will receive an interior refresh featuring modern touches like device holders in the main cabin.
“All MAX 9 aircraft, among the newest in our fleet, will also get six additional seats converted to their Premium cabins,” assured Alaska Airlines.
The expansion is expected to add approximately 1.3 million premium seats annually to the mainline fleet. Earlier this year, Alaska retrofitted its entire regional fleet by adding around 400,000 Premium Class seats to its Embraer E175 aircraft.
Retrofits are scheduled to start next year and are projected for completion by 2026.
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