Air France has announced plans to upgrade the cabin interiors of its Embraer 190 jets, operated by its regional subsidiary HOP. With a fleet of 21 E190s and an additional two expected to join this summer, the upgrades aim to enhance passenger experience and align cabin standards across the board, particularly with those of the Airbus A220s in the mainline fleet.
Central to this cabin refresh will be the introduction of new seats designed by the French firm Expliseat. Known for its innovative approach to aircraft seating, Expliseat’s designs focus on combining lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and titanium with sustainability, comfort, durability, and functionality. The bespoke seats for HOP will be produced and assembled in Angers, France, showcasing a commitment to local manufacturing and cutting-edge aviation technology.
In addition to the seating upgrade, the E190 cabins will undergo a visual transformation to reflect Air France’s signature aesthetic, incorporating new cabin wall panels and carpeting in the airline’s iconic colors. This refurbishment effort is set to begin after the summer peak season, with the modernization process taking place at HOP’s maintenance facility in Clermont-Ferrand, central France. Passengers can look forward to experiencing the updated aircraft interiors starting this autumn.
Air France has highlighted that the new Expliseat-designed seats will mirror the comfort standards found on its Airbus A220 aircraft, which are increasingly being used for the airline’s short- and medium-haul operations. Although specific details about the new seats are being kept under wraps until their official unveiling at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg at the end of May, Air France’s choice of Expliseat underscores a significant move towards improving passenger comfort while emphasizing sustainability and innovation.
Expliseat has positioned itself as a pioneer in aircraft seating solutions, claiming the title for manufacturing the world’s lightest aircraft seat. The introduction of a new TiSeat variant for the E190, with Air France as the launch customer, represents a strategic partnership that leverages advanced materials and design philosophies to offer a superior travel experience. This collaboration highlights a step forward in the airline industry’s ongoing efforts to enhance passenger comfort and operational efficiency through innovative cabin solutions.
There is currently no information on whether HOP’s fleet of 13 E170 jets will also benefit from the new seating, suggesting that the upgrades might initially focus on the larger E190 model. This initiative by Air France and HOP, in partnership with Expliseat, signals a significant investment in passenger experience, aligning with broader industry trends towards more sustainable and passenger-centric cabin designs.
