RECARO Aircraft Seating and China Southern Airlines strengthen relationship with introduction of R3

RECARO Aircraft Seating announced China Southern Airlines as 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.

Yongchao Zeng, Executive Vice President of China Southern Air Holding Company Limited commented: "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." 

Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO of RECARO Aircraft Seating and RECARO Holding stated: “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. 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.”

Irene Tan, General Manager of RECARO Asia Pacific siad: “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.”