Expliseat and MHIRJ have entered into a strategic collaboration to make Expliseat’s next-generation lightweight seating technology available to CRJ operators worldwide.
Credit photo: MHIRJ. (from left to right) Craig Allan – VP Supply Chain Management MHIRJ – Amel Belkhamsa, VP Commercial Services & Customer Support MHIRJ – Antonio Ficca, VP Strategy & Marketing Expliseat – Adrien Pallix, Program Manager Expliseat.
A new lightweight seating solution for the CRJ platform
The collaboration expands the portfolio of cabin solutions available to CRJ operators while opening a clear certification path for the installation of Expliseat seats.
The TiSeat 2X is expected to be the primary seating solution for the platform. Already in operation on regional aircraft worldwide, it requires only limited engineering adaptation for CRJ cabins, allowing Expliseat to rapidly support new programs.
Operators wishing to introduce or upgrade a premium cabin will also be able to consider the TiSeat S for the front of the aircraft, depending on their cabin configuration and product strategy.
Together, these solutions provide operators with greater flexibility to refresh the passenger experience while maintaining a consistent design language across their regional fleets.
More than 1,000 lb of potential weight savings
Expliseat’s proprietary seat architecture combines carbon fibre and titanium to deliver significant weight reductions without compromising passenger comfort or operational durability.
On a typical CRJ700 cabin configuration, replacing older-generation seats with an Expliseat installation can reduce aircraft weight by more than 1,000 lb. On a typical European CRJ900 configuration, the saving can reach up to 1,200 lb.
The exact result depends on the aircraft variant, cabin layout and seats being replaced, but the impact extends throughout the aircraft’s operational life.
A lighter cabin can help operators:
- Reduce fuel consumption and associated CO₂ emissions
- Improve aircraft operating economics
- Lower maintenance requirements
- Upgrade the passenger experience
- Extend the value of existing CRJ aircraft
At up to 30% lighter than traditional models, Expliseat seats enable airlines to improve cabin performance without having to choose between lightness, comfort, durability and maintainability.
Supporting the modernization of the regional fleet
The CRJ remains one of the most widely operated regional jet families, with a particularly strong presence in North America. Its large installed base represents a significant opportunity for airlines seeking to modernize their cabins and improve the efficiency of their existing fleets.
For passengers, a re-seated CRJ cabin means a more contemporary onboard environment, with improved ergonomics, cushioning and design. For airlines, it creates the opportunity to deliver a better passenger product while achieving measurable operational benefits.
The agreement also supports Expliseat’s continued development in the North American regional aviation market. The company is already working on a CRJ program with a North American customer, demonstrating growing market demand for lighter and more efficient cabin solutions.
Proven technology, ready for deployment
Expliseat’s lightweight seating technology is already flying on more than 400 aircraft operated by over 25 airlines, with more than 80 million accumulated flight hours.
Its seating solutions are in service across Airbus, Embraer, ATR and Dash 8 aircraft and are trusted by operators including Air Canada, Porter Airlines, Air France, Jazeera Airways and Air Tahiti.
With production capacity already in place and a seat specification closely aligned with the proven TiSeat 2X, Expliseat is ready to support CRJ operators as they prepare their next cabin modernization programs.
This collaboration with MHIRJ marks a new step in making lightweight seating technology available across the regional aviation market—helping CRJ operators improve aircraft performance, passenger comfort and long-term operating economics within a single cabin solution.
