China Southern and Recaro executives celebrate the new deal.

Press Release: China Southern picks Recaro R3 seats for A350-900s

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Press Release hub banner blue with title in red white and blueRECARO Aircraft Seating (RECARO), a global leader in premium aircraft seating solutions, is proud to announce that China Southern Airlines is the first airline customer in mainland China to select the latest R3 Economy Class seats for their new Airbus A350-900 fleet. This strategic partnership includes the installation of R3 seats across 10 aircraft, scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2026.

China Southern Airlines’ selection of the R3 marks a significant milestone for RECARO and the mission of driving comfort in the sky. As the launch customer for the RECARO R3 seats in the APAC-region, China Southern is set to enhance the passenger experience with this state-of-the-art seating solution. With the optimized ergonomic design, which includes improved living space, a high comfort seat cushion combined with enhanced lumbar support, and six-way adjustable headrest integrated with a patented neck support feature, the seats will provide economy passengers with an exceptional in-flight travel experience on long-haul flights. The R3 seats will also be equipped with the latest 13.3-inch 4K IFE system.

“For China Southern Airlines, comfort in our passenger’s travel experience is a top priority. We are proud to partner with RECARO who is renowned for its heritage of delivering highly ergonomic and comfortable seats,” says Mr. Yongchao Zeng, Executive Vice President of China Southern Air Holding Company Limited.

“The decision of China Southern Airlines to equip their new A350-900 fleet with the RECARO R3 is a testament to the superior quality and innovation RECARO delivers,” says Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO of RECARO Aircraft Seating and RECARO Holding. “We are proud to support China Southern Airlines in enhancing their passenger experience while providing them with solutions that bring their fleet to the next level.”

“This partnership with China Southern Airlines represents a pivotal moment for RECARO in reinforcing its presence within the Chinese aviation market, having delivered a total of 8,270 pax CL3710 seats, the R3 predecessor, to China Southern Airlines as of today,” added Ms. Irene Tan, General Manager of RECARO Asia Pacific.

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About China Southern Airlines

China Southern Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, headquartered in Guangzhou, China. The company operates an extensive route network, connecting passengers to over 200 destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and Africa. With a fleet of more than 850 aircraft, China Southern Airlines is committed to providing safe, high-quality, innovative, and customer-oriented services. The airline’s vision is to build a world-class air transport enterprise with global competitiveness. Its core values emphasize putting customers first, respecting talents, pursuing excellence, and driving continuous innovation. As part of its mission to connect the world for a better life, China Southern Airlines strives to enhance travel experiences through advanced technology and personalized services.

About RECARO Aircraft Seating

RECARO Aircraft Seating combines innovation with comfort since its founding in 1972. Today, the family-owned company is a leading supplier of premium seating solutions in the aviation industry for economy, premium and business class. Headquartered in Schwaebisch Hall, Germany, RECARO has a global presence in China, Poland, South Africa and the United States, with more than 2,900 employees and sales of approximately 576 million euros in 2024. Known for its ergonomic lightweight designs and a commitment to excellence, RECARO strives to shape the future of air travel, by constantly investing in R&D, while maintaining a focus on reliability, efficiency and sustainability.

About RECARO Group

The RECARO Group encompasses the three independently operating divisions RECARO Aircraft Seating headquartered in Schwaebisch Hall, Germany, RECARO Gaming located in Stuttgart, Germany, and RECARO Rail located in Grodzisk Wielkopolski, Poland. RECARO consistently establishes the benchmark for innovation, comfort, and design excellence in seating solutions, supported by an international team of more than 3,100 professionals. With sales of 588 million euros in 2024, the Group underlines its strong presence in the global market.

Feature image credited to and copyright of RECARO