EasyJet New Seating

[John R]

So Easyjet has announced that it is to fit a new type of seats to deliveries from 2028. Apparently they enable two more inches of legroom, whilst maintaining the same 31in pitch. I can't help but speculate how long it will be until they decide to reduce the seat pitch to 29cm to fit extra seating in, whilst claiming the legroom is no worse than it used to be.

Also, from the pictures, they look a bit like, dare I say it.... ironing boards to me.

https://www.easyjet.com/en/news/story/easyjet-to-introduce-new-ultra-lightweight-next-generation-seats-to-further?msockid=2dade8209ab96f2023f4fa579bac6eeb

easyJet to introduce new ultra-lightweight next generation seats to further boost operational efficiency and increase legroom.​

easyJet is today announcing an order of brand new lighter weight seats that are expected to be over 20% lighter than those used currently today while also offering up to two inches additional legroom for customers.

The next-generation Kestrel economy seats from British manufacturer Mirus Aircraft Seating will feature across easyJet’s future Airbus A320neo and A321neo fleet. The deal, which covers future aircraft deliveries from 2028, marks another positive step in easyJet’s ongoing strategy to reduce emissions and fuel burn, while improving operational efficiency.

The Kestrel is the lightest seat in its class thanks to its advanced lightweight structure, which will lead to a weight saving of up to 500kg per aircraft for larger models in easyJet’s fleet – estimated to deliver a combined annual fuel saving of over 12,936 tonnes, equivalent to over 40,513 tonnes of Co2.

Designed specifically for short-to medium-haul operations, the Kestrel seat offers industry-leading passenger space and comfort. Its ergonomic design allows passengers to enjoy improved legroom without changing seat pitch itself, while its unique pre-reclined structure enhances comfort which ensures improved knee and shin clearance for passengers.

 

[Tetchytyke]

I can't help but speculate how long it will be until they decide to reduce the seat pitch to 29cm to fit extra seating in

The seat pitch on EasyJet is 28" already, especially on the A321neo.

I'm struggling to see how these seats will save two inches of legroom compared to the Recaro slimline seats they already use. I can only assume they're comparing these new seats to the really old (and uncomfortable) Weber seats that are on the older A319s.

 

[Bletchleyite]

So Easyjet has announced that it is to fit a new type of seats to deliveries from 2028. Apparently they enable two more inches of legroom, whilst maintaining the same 31in pitch. I can't help but speculate how long it will be until they decide to reduce the seat pitch to 29cm to fit extra seating in, whilst claiming the legroom is no worse than it used to be.

It's already 28-29in in some parts of some aircraft.

Also, from the pictures, they look a bit like, dare I say it.... ironing boards to me.

They look a bit like the Fainsa Sophia. What they do seem to do (which the FISA LEAN doesn't) is realise that those needing extra legroom typically need it at the seat edges, not in the middle (because most tall people are men, and most men can't comfortably sit with knees together). Though there is a bit of a ridge - the real ideal is the strong support being in the middle.

 

[Snow1964]

I note the headline says to boost operational efficiency,
that's PR speak for more intensive use of assets, or packing more in.

 

[John R]

I note the headline says to boost operational efficiency,
that's PR speak for more intensive use of assets, or packing more in.

To be fair, it reduces the weight on each plane by around half a ton, so that will result in a saving.

 

[cactustwirly]

easyJet are going backwards trying to become orange Ryanair
The existing seats are quite uncomfortable, I can't imagine anything thinner

 

[Bletchleyite]

The existing seats are quite uncomfortable, I can't imagine anything thinner

They appear to have a thicker base than the current seats. Back thickness doesn't really affect comfort (indeed it affects it negatively by reducing legroom), base thickness does much more. The back just has to be a supportive shape.

 

[Lewisham2221]

The seat pitch on EasyJet is 28" already, especially on the A321neo.

I'm struggling to see how these seats will save two inches of legroom compared to the Recaro slimline seats they already use. I can only assume they're comparing these new seats to the really old (and uncomfortable) Weber seats that are on the older A319s.

The article appears to suggest that the first new planes fitted with these seats will indeed replace older aircraft, such as the A319s, so that probably is the comparison.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Mar 2026 ==

I note the headline says to boost operational efficiency,
that's PR speak for more intensive use of assets, or packing more in.

Or lighter and therefore more fuel efficient

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Mar 2026 ==

easyJet are going backwards trying to become orange Ryanair
The existing seats are quite uncomfortable, I can't imagine anything thinner

Disagree tbh, I've recently flown with them on 3.5 - 4 hour flights and found the seats to be perfectly fine; but as ever, seating debates are always highly subjective

 

[Darandio]

To be fair, it reduces the weight on each plane by around half a ton, so that will result in a saving.

And i'd have thought half a ton on an aircraft is a massing saving over it's lifetime.

 

[Cloud Strife]

And i'd have thought half a ton on an aircraft is a massing saving over it's lifetime.

It's a pretty substantial saving. 500kg might not sound like much, but it results in around $500,000 saved over 10 years per plane.

The LLCs right now are actually doing a lot to save weight and fuel by ruthlessly identifying and implementing efficiencies, something that does have tangible impacts in terms of burning less fuel. For example, for many years, it was the norm to simply fill up water tanks onboard to the maximum. Now, they might carry as little as 20-25% of the total water capacity because that's how much they expect to be used during a short hop.

They are also at the forefront of calculating the centre of gravity in a more accurate way by counting the exact weight of all the bags loaded, instead of just applying a generic "20kg' (or whatever) figure to checked in baggage.

These new seats are ridiculously light, I believe as little as 7kg each. What they've essentially done is cut the back of the seats to the bone while still being legal, so they've managed to find an extra 2" of legroom without changing anything. While theoretically, they could go to 244 seats (the maximum that the A321neo is certified for) and the seats would allow it, there's likely more money to be made in advertising a larger seat pitch than their rivals.

 

[route101]

easyJet are going backwards trying to become orange Ryanair
The existing seats are quite uncomfortable, I can't imagine anything thinner

The seats at the back of the older A319s are narrow in width.

 

[Tetchytyke]

The seats at the back of the older A319s are narrow in width.

The old Weber seats (they're the grey ones with orange check) on the A319s are terrible, they're really bulky so the usable space is narrow and the legroom is reduced. The newer Recaros are much better, they're the same as on some of the BA A320s.

 

[cactustwirly]

The old Weber seats (they're the grey ones with orange check) on the A319s are terrible, they're really bulky so the usable space is narrow and the legroom is reduced. The newer Recaros are much better, they're the same as on some of the BA A320s.

BA have gone back to Collins Aerospace for the newer A320Neos

 

[Butts]

Speaking of Easyjet seating I had a lucky experience flying from Birmingham to Edinburgh this morning.

Was the last to board via the back stairs and noticed the rear three or four rows were completely empty - I was supposed to be "piggy" 21E)

I asked the steward if I could move and he gave me 28 DEF to myself.- result I bought a coffee as a small token of thanks to go with some LNER Shortbread.

So glad I paid for FT Security at BHX, for those who know it, the normal queue was back to right as you get out the lifts.

Zipped through in seconds rather than 30 min + at a conservative estimate.

Conversely on the outer leg on Monday I thought EDI would be empty at 1800 on a Bank Holiday - the check in area was but not the security.

Took 30 mins to get through but luckily my flight which should have been closing hadn't started boarding yet.

 

[route101]

Speaking of Easyjet seating I had a lucky experience flying from Birmingham to Edinburgh this morning.

Was the last to board via the back stairs and noticed the rear three or four rows were completely empty - I was supposed to be "piggy" 21E)

I asked the steward if I could move and he gave me 28 DEF to myself.- result I bought a coffee as a small token of thanks to go with some LNER Shortbread.

So glad I paid for FT Security at BHX, for those who know it, the normal queue was back to right as you get out the lifts.

Zipped through in seconds rather than 30 min + at a conservative estimate.

Conversely on the outer leg on Monday I thought EDI would be empty at 1800 on a Bank Holiday - the check in area was but not the security.

Took 30 mins to get through but luckily my flight which should have been closing hadn't started boarding yet.

I have flown BHX to EDI and GLA last few weekends. I usually sit and the back and quite often get a seat next to me free. Security was not as bad as you had, perhaps ten minutes on the lunchtime Sunday flight to EDI and no wait on the late evening GLA flight. The flight Glasgow delayed until 2230, the perils of the last flights of the day.

Birmingham airport reminds me of Glasgow in a way, with piers and airbridges and mostly leisure airlines. Also both airports have smallish areas airside to wait. I had Fish and Chips at the Shelby pub, the fish was kinda chewy, perhaps underdone. The Indian Brewery is perhaps a better dining option.

Nearly came a cropper at Glasgow when I arrived at 5am for 6am flight to Southampton. Security was busy and had 2 minutes to het to gate 12a, luckily the boarding was only about to start. I was about to buy fast track security while in the line for the regular security, my fault for arriving at 5am.

In terms of seating, the A320s are far better for seating than the A319s.

 

[Howardh]

Will these new seats have trays and somewhere to hold bottled drinks? Bit worried about the "ironing board" as I tend to think towards Thameslink (if they are like Gatwick Express then that's better!). That aside, I always worry that the seat could be saturated from a spill on the previous flight, wonder if the new ones clean and dry quickeR?

 

[Snow1964]

Will these new seats have trays and somewhere to hold bottled drinks? Bit worried about the "ironing board" as I tend to think towards Thameslink (if they are like Gatwick Express then that's better!). That aside, I always worry that the seat could be saturated from a spill on the previous flight, wonder if the new ones clean and dry quickeR?

It used to be case (although never publicly advertised) that planes often carried 2 or 3 spare seat cushions bases in a locker at rear, in case someone was sick or soiled a seat, so could be switched over for return flight or flights later in the day.

Not sure what EasyJet policy is on this. Although some flights have 100% occupancy, so wouldn't want rows roped off.

 

[Tetchytyke]

In terms of seating, the A320s are far better for seating than the A319s.

Depends on the A319. As above, the ones with the older Weber seats (the ones with the grey and orange checker pattern) are awful, the Weber seats manage to be both really bulky and incredibly uncomfortable. They also seem to be mounted closer to the bulkhead wall, so there's restricted headroom in the window seats.

But the A319s which have had the Recaro seats fitted are fine, no different to the A320 or the A321.

Will these new seats have trays and somewhere to hold bottled drinks?

They'll have trays, can't see a separate bottle holder though. Shame, they're really useful on the Jet2 seats.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Depends on the A319. As above, the ones with the older Weber seats (the ones with the grey and orange checker pattern) are awful, the Weber seats manage to be both really bulky and incredibly uncomfortable. They also seem to be mounted closer to the bulkhead wall, so there's restricted headroom in the window seats.

That's a deliberate choice by EZY, it gives a wider aisle which speeds boarding and makes it easier to get past the trolley. Classic airlines tend to not only not do that but have a wider seat which makes the aisle very narrow. The Recaro seats seem to be between the two.

 

[route101]

Depends on the A319. As above, the ones with the older Weber seats (the ones with the grey and orange checker pattern) are awful, the Weber seats manage to be both really bulky and incredibly uncomfortable. They also seem to be mounted closer to the bulkhead wall, so there's restricted headroom in the window seats.

But the A319s which have had the Recaro seats fitted are fine, no different to the A320 or the A321.


They'll have trays, can't see a separate bottle holder though. Shame, they're really useful on the Jet2 seats.

Interesting, never come across A319 with newer seating. A319s often on domestic flights for me.

 

[Snow1964]

Interesting, never come across A319 with newer seating. A319s often on domestic flights for me.

There are slowly becoming fewer A319 in the Easyjet fleet

Easyjet UK 44 A319 out of 189 planes in fleet
Easyjet Europe 35 A319 out of 140 planes in fleet
Easyjet Switzerland no A319 out of 31 plane fleet

of these 6 are parked, just 73 active, of 360 planes.
93 A319 have already been withdrawn from Easyjet group fleet

 

[gabrielhj07]

Unless some have very recently been refitted, all the A319s have the old seats, as do some of the G-EJCx A320s.