The new aircraft seat bringing more privacy to premium economy

Recaro Aircraft Seating has begun delivering its new R4 premium economy seat, with Japanese airline ANA set to introduce the product on its Boeing 787-9s later this year. 

The seat is notable for its privacy wings which are integrated into the headrest. The product is designed to give passengers greater separation from those sitting next them, and is significant since the concept of a side privacy panel has only recently been introduced into premium economy cabins.

The R4, successor to Recaro’s popular PL3530, another long-haul premium economy seat in use with the airlines including LATAM and Air India, has now received Boeing 787 European Technical Standard Order (ETSO) certification.

Deliveries of the seat began in June 2026 with entry into service with ANA expected later in the year.

How Recaro’s R4 seat adds privacy to premium economy

Recaro describes its R4 premium economy seat as benefiting from a lightweight construction with a range of features aimed at improving passenger comfort and privacy. 

It includes a 16-inch entertainment screen, six-way adjustable headrest with integrated neck support, side ambient lighting and with a stand-out feature being the privacy wings incorporating a reading light. 

The privacy wings provide a physical barrier between the seats and bring an element of the business-class suite aesthetic to the premium economy cabin, albeit in a limited way. 

The seat supports multiple power configurations to keep passengers connected throughout the flight.

A side console provides dedicated access for passengers with reduced mobility, while a newly developed extra-wide tray table features a soft open-and-close mechanism and an integrated holder for smartphones and tablets. 

When compared to its predecessor, the R4 features an expanded seat width, with an increased seat pitch to approximately 40 inches and an enhanced recline of about 2 inches. It also offers a calf rest and single-arm design footrest. 

In addition to the enhanced premium economy comfort, the lightweight design of the seats help decrease the aircraft’s total weight, resulting in reduced carbon emissions and improved fuel efficiency.

Airlines can also customise the seat’s colours, trim and finishes to match their cabin interiors and brand identity.

ANA to launch Recaro R4 seats on Boeing 787-9 fleet

ANA will introduce R4 alongside its sister seat the economy R3 on its next-generation Boeing 787-9 long-haul aircraft, with deployment scheduled to begin by the end of 2026. 

The Japanese airline said its introduction of the new seats demonstrated an ongoing commitment by ANA to innovation and quality in its service offerings.

Commenting on the partnership when it was first announced in 2025, Tomoji Ishii, executive vice president for customer experience management and planning at ANA, said: “ANA is committed to continually elevating the passenger experience and the new seats represent our ongoing investment in providing customers with greater comfort and convenience on our international flights.

“We will continue to seek out and implement innovative solutions to enhance every aspect of the passenger journey with ANA.”

Mark Hiller, CEO of Recaro Aircraft Seating and Recaro Holding, added: “We are honoured to partner with All Nippon Airways and introduce our R3 and R4 seating solutions.

“These seats exemplify the drive and dedication of Recaro for innovation, by offering enhanced ergonomics, increased living space and innovative connectivity features.”

“The new seats truly represent the strength and success of our ongoing partnership with ANA,” added Irene Tan, general manager of Recaro Asia Pacific.

“We are looking forward to continuing our collaboration in the future.”

R3 vs R4: What’s the difference between Recaro’s new ecoomy and premium economy seats?

ANA is also launching Recaro’s R3 seat in its economy cabin. 

The new seat is designed for long-range Economy Class cabins, with passengers promised increased space and improved comfort.  

Features include a 6-way adjustable headrest with integrated neck support and all aisle seats include the redesigned Recaro patented steward step, which provides easier access to overhead bins for both passengers and crew.

The R3 weighs nearly 2 kilograms less than its predecessor.

Iberia was the launch customer for the R3 on its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, which feature a total of 168 R3 seats.