RECARO Aircraft Seating Review

RECARO is a global market leader in economy aircraft seating. There’s no doubt that aircraft seating makes a big difference in the quality of a flight, but what goes into making a seat great? In this RECARO review, we’ll discuss company origins, how they make their seats, and how Southern Air Custom Interiors compares when it comes to aircraft seating. 

Who is RECARO Aircraft Seating?

RECARO Aircraft Seating is one of the most renowned seat brands in the world. Originally founded in 1906 as Stuttgarter Carosserie- u. Radfabrik (Stuttgart Body and Wheel Factory), RECARO Aircraft Seating started as a body factory. In 1963, Porsche bought the factory and the company became RECARO, a car seating specialist. They moved on to aircraft seats in 1971. 

In 2011, RECARO ceased automotive seat production and sold that division of their company to Johnson Controls. 

Now, they’re well known as one of the world’s top aircraft seat suppliers, with a unique portfolio that offers seating options that continue to evolve with client needs. RECARO specializes in the production of economy and business class seats and offers leasing solutions, training, spare parts, repair services, and some manufacturing for certain fiber composite aviation products. 

Even in 2022, CEO Mark Hiller discusses how the company evolves its designs to meet consumer desires. He says that privacy and separation in aircraft seating was a trend even before COVID, which led them to continue developing the “Abrazo” headrests, or privacy wings. RECARO’s newest seat models like the CL3710 and CL3810 boast updated, optional privacy wings to meet this consumer desire. 

Another trend RECARO leads is the need for antibacterial surfaces, a common consumer desire since the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to being germ-resistant, new seats must be more durable these days to accommodate the extra chemicals from frequent sanitation and cleaning.

Quick Facts

• Headquarters location: Schwäbisch Hall, Germany
• Founded: 1997
• CEO: Mark Hiller
• Parent Organization: Johnson Controls
• Employees: Over 2,700
• Subsidiaries: RECARO Aircraft Seating Americas, RECARO Aircraft Seating Polska, RECARO Aircraft Seating China, and AAT Composites

RECARO Aircraft Seating Review for Employment

Overall, past employees of RECARO Aircraft Seating offer good reviews and recommend working at RECARO. 

Some positive mentions include great people, strong work-life balance, and fair benefits plans at their Fort Worth, Texas locations. 

Some areas for improvement include compensation and better loyalty programs for employees. 

Locations

RECARO has headquarters in Schwäbisch Hall, Germany, as well as a few locations in other parts of the world:

• Fort Worth, Texas, USA
• Qingdao, Shandong Province. China
• Świebodzin, Poland
• Somerset West, South Africa

What are RECARO Aircraft Seats Made of?

RECARO offers aircraft seating for economy and business class. 

RECARO Seats Economy

The newest economy versions of RECARO seats are the SL3710s. This seat is the lightest economy seat available, at 8kg per seat. Its materials are durable and less fragile than those of other seats, making them cost-effective for airlines. 

The best-selling economy variety of RECARO seats is the RECARO BL3530. It features a tablet PC holder, USB power source, six-way adjustable headrest, high literature pocket, and even a coat hook! The ergonomic design, optimal viewing angle for tablets, comfortable cushions, and fabric or leather cover dress for privacy make this seat rise above the rest. 

Another impressive economy RECARO seat is the RECARO SL3510, which won the Crystal Cabin Award in 2009 for its weight optimization. Featuring a slim backrest with comfort netting, coat hook, movable armrests, and literature pocket, the SL3510 boasts a backrest made with netting material instead of the standard foam of other aircraft seating. That netting material adapts to the passenger’s spine as they sit for an extended period. 

All economy RECARO seats aim to reduce overall fuel consumption with their low weight, promoting environmental sustainability for the aviation industry. 

RECARO Seats Business Class

One of RECARO’s business seat offerings is the CL4400, which is meant for short and medium flights and features a generous and adjustable backrest, headrest, and leg rest with a footbar. Currently, there are 7,000 CL4400 seats in circulation on planes. 

Since the CL4400 has a console instead of an armrest, passengers experience more privacy. 

The RECARO CL5710 is the ultimate seat for entertainment, with a large fold-out table and integrated tablet holder. It holds a 13-inch monitor and features additional storage space. The best part? A privacy divider to offer optimal privacy.

The CL6720 offers passengers a mini-suite experience with sliding doors, privacy dividers, and generous storage for their personal belongings. It is one of the most stylish of the RECARO seats in the business class variety, one of the lightest seats on the market, and top-notch quality.

The Best Alternative to RECARO Aircraft Seating

RECARO Aircraft Seating is a top industry leader in all sorts of aircraft seats. However, they might not work for everyone. Southern Air Custom Interiors offers custom interiors, including handcrafted and hand-stitched upholstery and unique interior designs. 

The expert staff have provided trusted, reliable, custom interiors since 1989, and have over 100 years of combined experience.

This experienced, knowledgeable team has serviced all types of aircraft, and handcrafted fine custom interiors for various models from Cessna, Beechcraft, Gulfstream, Dassault, and Mooney. 

Southern Air Custom Interiors is there to provide quality work for when you are ready to upgrade or rebuild your interiors or are looking for custom repairs, and provides these services at an affordable rate. Know who to trust, contact Southern Air Custom Interiors. 

Conclusion

Don’t underestimate the importance of quality, lightweight, comfortable seating. Passengers are more likely to rebook a commercial flight or charter if they have a relaxing experience. Contact Southern Air Custom Interiors today to learn how we can help you with your aircraft seating needs.