RECARO Aircraft Seating is strengthening its investment in the future aerospace workforce through a new partnership with the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), supporting an initiative designed to prepare the next generation of engineering talent for the aviation industry.
The aircraft seating manufacturer has joined the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Experiential Learning in Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) programme, a three-year initiative that connects universities with industry partners to bridge the gap between classroom education and real-world engineering.
Building industry-ready engineers
As part of the collaboration, RECARO Aircraft Seating Americas will contribute industry expertise to curriculum development, ensuring students gain knowledge aligned with current aerospace engineering challenges and manufacturing requirements. The company will also participate in programme evaluation throughout the three-year project, helping keep the curriculum relevant to evolving industry needs.
A key element of the partnership is direct engagement with students through regular visits to RECARO’s manufacturing facility in Fort Worth, Texas, where they will gain first-hand exposure to aircraft seating production, engineering processes and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Practical experience beyond the classroom
Alongside facility visits, RECARO will host two university interns each year as part of its summer internship programme, providing students with valuable practical experience within a commercial aerospace environment.
Earlier this year, the first group of 19 engineering students and faculty members visited the company’s Fort Worth site, touring the production facility and participating in interactive discussions with RECARO engineers to better understand aircraft seating design, manufacturing and certification.
The initiative is fully funded by the National Science Foundation, covering training, scholarships and internship opportunities for participating students.
Supporting innovation
As aircraft cabin technologies continue to evolve, manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on developing a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting next-generation cabin innovation, advanced materials and sustainable manufacturing.
Commenting on the collaboration, Sunitha Vegerla, General Manager of RECARO Aircraft Seating Americas, said: “The NSF ExLENT programme provides a valuable platform to engage with future engineering talent and support their development through practical experience. By collaborating closely with students, we contribute to strengthening the connection between university learning and industry expectations. Initiatives such as this play an important role in developing a skilled and sustainable workforce for the aerospace industry.”
The partnership reflects a broader industry trend of closer collaboration between academia and aerospace manufacturers to ensure future engineers graduate with the practical skills required to support innovation across aircraft interiors and cabin systems.
