EasyJet launches new seats with more legroom – but passengers will lose 1 thing | UK | News

EasyJet says the new seats will give passengers up to five inches of extra legroom, but their design means they can’t recline. Carrier orders Kestrel seats from British manufacturer Mirus to be fitted to 237 new vehicles planes From 2028.

EasyJet He said the seats will provide five more inches of legroom than current seats, although the distance between the two rows of seats remains the same. Mirus said this was possible thanks to the shape and thickness of the new seats.

David Morgan, easyJet’s chief operating officer, said: “We are delighted to introduce the Mirus Kestrel seat to our future fleet.”

He said the investment helps the company focus on making its operations as efficient as possible.

Carbon fiber is used in the production of the seats instead of traditional plastic, making them thinner and providing more space for the rear passenger.

EasyJet said this also means it will be more than 20% lighter than existing seats, resulting in weight savings of up to 500kg per aircraft.

It is estimated that this will save more than 12,936 tonnes of fuel annually across the fleet.

The seats have a 22-degree “fixed recline” feature and cannot be reclined manually.

Mr Morgan said leveraging small incremental gains would lead to meaningful reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

“Along with the sustainability benefits, the additional legroom and increased comfort these seats will provide will also provide our customers with an enhanced inflight experience that we know they will love,” the COO added.

EasyJet’s order means Kestrel economy seats will feature in deliveries of easyJet’s incoming Airbus A320neo and A321neo fleet from 2028.

Mirus Chief Executive Ben McGuire said this was one of the largest single model aircraft seat awards ever.

He said the manufacturer is committed to improving passenger experience and comfort while ensuring sustainability and significant operational cost savings.

Earlier this month, consumer group Which? Published research showing the majority of easyJet’s current aircraft have 29-inch seat pitch.

The short-haul carriers with the smallest seat pitches were found to be Jet2, KLM, Lufthansa, Ryanair, SAS, TAP Portugal, Vueling and Wizz Air.

According to Which, they all have some cabins with at least 28 inches of seat pitch?