New lighter AirAsia seats to help save the environment

Flying on AirAsia is getting greener with the introduction of its new Formula One-inspired seats. AirAsia is the first carrier to use the Mirus Hawk seats, which will be installed in existing Airbus A320 aircraft and incoming A320neo aircraft.

The Economy Class seat is lighter and is expected to help AirAsia reduce fuel consumption by more than 70,000 litres and lower carbon dioxide emissions by 200 tonnes per aircraft per year.

Environmental factors were taken into consideration for the design, according to AirAsia Group chief executive officer and AirAsia X co-group chief executive Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.

“Not only is this premium seat more comfortable and boasts more legroom but it also weighs less, which is good for our guests, our bottom line and the environment as well,” he said.

The new seat comes in the wake of Etihad Airways’ recent announcement of eliminating around 195,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions last year, thanks to a wide range of fuel-saving initiatives across its network.

Following a number of improvements aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies, Etihad Airways was able to reduce the amount of fuel consumed by its aircraft by over 62,000 tonnes of fuel.

AirAsia’s new seat is made from carbon fibre, aluminium and genuine leather upholstery. It is ergonomically optimised for comfort, passenger living space and style.

Along with the announcement of the new seat, Tony added that more innovations are on the way to cater to passengers. These include a personal electronic device holder and high power 2A USB port to charge devices.

All Hawk seats are assembled in Norfolk, Britain and draw on Formula One engineering expertise.