American Airlines takes delivery of first Embraer E175 with RECARO R2 seats

American Airlines has received its first Embraer E175 regional jet equipped with RECARO’s new-generation R2 passenger seats. It is the first US airline to introduce the seating on the aircraft type.

Embraer continues to update the E175 cabin to improve passenger comfort and maintain the aircraft’s competitiveness in the regional jet market.

The new seats will enter service on American Eagle flights this autumn, according to RECARO Aircraft Seating.

What is different about the new RECARO R2 seats?

The R2 is designed for short- and medium-haul flights, with a slimmer backrest that increases passengers’ knee clearance and personal space.

The seat also includes a six-way adjustable headrest and a tablet holder, letting passengers securely place their own devices for viewing entertainment during the flight.

American’s installation features customised seat covers and finishes matching the airline’s updated regional cabin design. In 2025, American announced plans to retrofit its regional fleet to a harmonised design standard, including all the CRJ700, CRJ900, E170 and E175 aircraft operated by its regional carriers. The RECARO seats installed on the E175 feature the new blue and amber design aesthetic.

RECARO said American selected the R2 partly because of its pre-certification qualifications and the manufacturer’s ability to meet the airline’s planned entry-into-service schedule.

“As the first US airline to introduce RECARO seats on Embraer E175 aircraft, we’re continuing to raise the bar for regional travel,” said Rhonda Crawford, senior vice president of customer experience design and strategy at American Airlines. “Our goal is to deliver the elevated experience customers want, while creating greater consistency across the American travel experience.”

Embraer continues upgrading its E175 regional jet

Embraer is investing in the first-generation E175, which is widely used by US regional airlines. The Brazilian planemaker said the cabin improvements bring the passenger experience closer to that offered by its newer E2 aircraft family.

“The introduction of our new RECARO seats demonstrates our commitment to investing in the platform and delivering enhancements that improve passenger experience while creating additional value for operators,” said Arjan Meijer, president and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation.

The manufacturer is also introducing technology to the E175, including enhanced data connectivity and next-generation weather radar, improving operational capability, situational awareness and efficiency.

The E175 remains an important aircraft for US regional operations. Its capacity and weight allow airlines to operate within scope clause pilot contract restrictions that limit the size of aircraft flown by regional partners.

RECARO expands its presence on Embraer aircraft

The American Airlines installation also marks another development in the relationship between Embraer and RECARO, which is entering its third year.

Mark Hiller, chief executive and shareholder of RECARO Aircraft Seating and CEO of RECARO Holding, said: “Seeing our R2 seat enter the US market on an Embraer E175 for the first time with American Airlines is a significant milestone for RECARO.”

The R2 is part of RECARO’s current seating portfolio, designed to combine passenger comfort with lightweight construction and durability for airline operations.

The first delivery establishes the new seating option on the E175 platform, giving airlines another cabin configuration option for the regional jet.