EasyJet Pioneers Major Seat Upgrade on UK Flights
EasyJet is set to become the first UK airline to implement a significant seating overhaul for passengers on domestic and international routes. The carrier will install new ultra-lightweight Kestrel seats from Mirus Aircraft Seating, starting with new aircraft deliveries in 2028.
Enhanced Comfort and Sustainability Benefits
The innovative seats promise up to two inches of additional legroom for travellers, thanks to an ergonomic design that improves knee and shin clearance without altering the seat pitch. According to EasyJet, the pre-reclined structure ensures superior comfort, making flights more enjoyable for customers.
David Morgan, Chief Operating Officer at EasyJet, stated: "We are delighted to introduce the Mirus Kestrel seat across our future fleet. This investment supports our focus on operational efficiency, leveraging small gains to achieve meaningful reductions in fuel burn and CO2 emissions."
Beyond passenger comfort, the seats are over 20% lighter than current models, contributing to an estimated annual savings of 40,000 tonnes of CO2. This aligns with EasyJet's sustainability goals and operational cost-cutting initiatives.
Fleet Integration and Industry Impact
The rollout will cover 237 aircraft orders for Airbus A320neo and A321neo planes, marking one of the largest single-model seat awards in aviation history. Ben McGuire, CEO of Mirus, highlighted the partnership's significance: "This landmark agreement reflects our shared commitment to enhancing passenger experience while delivering sustainability and operational savings."
EasyJet, which operates flights from Birmingham and other UK hubs, emphasizes that the Kestrel seat offers industry-leading space and comfort. The airline anticipates that these upgrades will improve the onboard experience, making air travel more pleasant and eco-friendly for millions of passengers annually.
