Alaska Airlines Unveils Its New Premium Seating
Joe Cortez September 20, 2017
Seattle, USA - April 28, 2012: Alaska Airlines jet at the D Concourse being loaded with passengers and luggage.
New premium seating bears striking resemblance to legacy carriers’ business class seating
Flyers aboard the future Alaska Airlines’ domestic first class cabin are in for an upgrade, after the carrier announced new seating coming in 2018. In a press release, seat manufacturer Recaro reports the Seattle-based airline will be the launch customer of their CL4710 business class seat.
Image: Recaro
The concept seat is designed specifically for short and medium length flights, creating comfort through ergonomic design. The seats feature an extendable footrest for passengers, as well as a flexible headrest which can be adjusted for sleeping aboard the aircraft.
Image: Recaro
Each seat will have a two-piece tray table, with a built-in tablet holder for those bringing their own in-flight entertainment. For convenience, power outlets are located on the front of the seat, allowing both passengers to plug in and charge electronics while in the sky. At the request of frequent flyers, increased storage space and separate arm rests are also incorporated into the seat design.
Image Source: Recaro
“We are thrilled to be the first airline to debut Recaro’s newest luxury seat to our guests,” Brad Tilden, chief executive of Alaska, said in a press release. “Our discerning flyers can look forward to a top-of-the-range new first class seat that offers them greater comfort and premium features.”
Image: Recaro
While the seat is scheduled to get installed across the entire fleet of Virgin America’s Airbus A320 aircraft and Alaska’s Boeing 737 aircrafts, when it may debut is yet to be seen. Australian Business Traveller reports the seat will get installed on over 40 737 aircraft, but there is no estimate when they will arrive on the A320.
Image: Recaro
Yay I'm not the only one who looks at those seats and sees lead bricks.
Ive had more comfort sitting on a rock than a Recaro seat. I cringe when i hear the name.
Massive step down from the VX product. Terrible merger.
Alaska could make the front cabin way more comfortable for way less cost by just bringing back pillows and blankets.
Not impressed. For Mainland flights will stick with American on the 772, very nice in First (business really).