EasyJet is making a major update to its seats on flights which will give passengers up to two inches additional legroom.
The budget airline is installing brand new lighter weight seats on its future Airbus A320neo and A321neo fleet from 2028, across 237 new aircraft orders. The new ultra-lightweight Kestrel economy seats are from British manufacturer Mirus Aircraft Seating and are more than 20% lighter than seats that are currently in use. The Kestrel is the lightest seat in its class thanks to its advanced lightweight structure, resulting in a weight saving of up to 500kg per aircraft for larger models in easyJet’s fleet.
The change is estimated to deliver a combined annual fuel saving of more than 12,936 tonnes, equivalent to over 40,513 tonnes of Co2, and « enhanced comfort » for passengers.
Designed specifically for short-to medium-haul operations, the ergonomic design of the seat allows passengers to enjoy improved legroom of up to two additional inches, while its unique pre-reclined structure enhances comfort to ensure improved knee and shin clearance for passengers.
The Kestrel seats have also been engineered with sustainability and lifecycle performance in mind. Its low part count and simplified design reduce maintenance requirements, while its robust structure ensures long-term durability in service. At end of life, the seat is also approximately 98% recyclable, supporting circularity and reducing waste.
The seats have been developed and tested at Mirus’ UK-based MTEST facility, one of the largest commercial testing centres of its kind, which reduces time, cost and carbon emissions by removing the need to transport seats for external certification.
The upgrade is part of easyJet’s ongoing efficiency measures and marks a positive step in its strategy to reduce emissions and fuel burn.
EasyJet said it will be the first airline to receive the seats on new aircraft deliveries of Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft from 2028.
David Morgan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet, said: “We are delighted to be introducing the Mirus Kestrel seat across our future fleet.
This investment supports our continued focus on making our operations as efficient as possible, capitalising on small incremental gains that result in meaningful reductions in fuel burn and Co2 emissions.
“On top of the sustainability benefits, the additional legroom and enhanced comfort these seats will provide will also deliver an improved onboard experience for our customers which we know they’ll love.”
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