RECARO Aircraft Seating (RECARO) was selected by Southwest Airlines (Southwest®) to equip new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft deliveries with BL3710 economy-class seats. The Dallas-based airline will begin taking deliveries in 2025.
The BL3710 will feature a multi-adjustable headrest cushion, an ergonomically enhanced seat bottom, a backrest with lumbar support and a new armrest design that maximises seat width. Southwest selected this seat based on feedback from testing, workshops and comfort studies.
“This award is a tremendous accomplishment for Team RECARO. We are proud to collaborate on expanding our footprint in the Americas, especially when we get to work with a local partner like Southwest who began their story the same time as us,” said Dr Mark Hiller, CEO of RECARO Aircraft Seating and RECARO Holding. “Our BL3710 will be a great addition to the airline that is committed to putting people first, as its durable design and comfort features will serve passengers well for many years to come.”
“Since RECARO was founded in Fort Worth, it’s been a long-term goal to work with our neighbours – Southwest Airlines. From their servant-leadership and people-centric culture to their stance on sustainability and involvement in the community, the similarities we see in our companies’ cultures and values is astounding,” said Sunitha Vegerla, General Manager of RECARO Aircraft Seating Americas. “As we look to the future, this partnership is a great milestone in the significance of sustainability and meeting customer needs in every seat design.”
The unique shape of the backrest foam also enhances the ergonomic seat design and is a call-back to the automotive expertise of RECARO, which stretches back to 1906. From the artificial leather dress cover to the lightweight structure of the seat, sustainability has played a major part in the creation of the BL3710 for Southwest Airlines.
