At the forefront of aviation innovation stands RHU mechatronics engineering alumnus Haytham Hakla, a Principal Specialist in Mechatronics R&D at Collins Aerospace in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. From leading visionary seat design projects to earning patents that push the boundaries of passenger experience, Haytham’s journey is a story of global impact, and it all began at RHU.
In 2024, Haytham led the electrical design and implementation of MAYA, a revolutionary concept business-class seat developed in collaboration with Panasonic Avionics. Featuring cutting-edge technologies and an impressive 45-inch screen, MAYA was showcased at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Germany, earning widespread acclaim from industry leaders and major media outlets, including CNN and RTX News. Watch the feature
Another career milestone came in 2023, when Haytham was named a semi-finalist for the Engineer of the Year Award for his work on the Retrofit Wireless Controller for Aircraft Passenger Seats, a project that also earned him his fourth U.S. patent.
These accomplishments are the result of years of dedication to mechatronics and innovation. Haytham joined Collins Aerospace (formerly B/E Aerospace) in 2016, where he found his true passion: researching and integrating new technologies into premium aircraft seating. Collins, part of the RTX group (alongside Pratt and Whitney and Raytheon), is one of the world’s leading aircraft seat manufacturers, and Haytham plays a pivotal role in shaping its most advanced products.
Before joining Collins, Haytham launched his engineering career in Montreal, Canada, where he worked for approximately four years in the business jet interiors industry at companies such as Bombardier and C&D Zodiac. He also completed his master’s in mechanical engineering at Concordia University in 2011, after earning his Bachelor’s in Mechatronics Engineering from RHU in 2009.
Always driven to grow, Haytham also holds a Private Pilot License (earned in Montreal in 2014), a PMP certification (2020), and is a proud member of the Order of Engineers of Quebec.
Beyond the office, Haytham channels his creativity into electronics and tech-art projects, most recently sharing his “PCB Brain Art” on Hackaday: Explore the project.
From RHU classrooms to the world stage of aerospace innovation, Haytham Hakla exemplifies how passion, persistence, and purpose can transform a career and help shape the future of global travel.
We take great pride in celebrating Mr. Hakla’s remarkable journey and outstanding contributions to the world of aerospace engineering.