ST Engineering’s Commercial Aerospace division and SF Airlines have inaugurated a new airframe maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Ezhou, Hubei, China. This joint venture, known as ST Engineering Aerospace (HuBei) Aviation Services, aims to cater to the increasing MRO needs of SF Airlines and other airlines operating in the region.
The facility, strategically located at China’s first dedicated cargo airport, Ezhou Huahu International Airport, will initially feature two hangars capable of accommodating up to four widebody or eight narrowbody aircraft simultaneously. The first hangar is set to induct its inaugural aircraft on 12 August 2025, with the second hangar expected to be completed in the second half of 2027. As demand grows, plans are in place to expand the facility with four additional hangars.
Jeffrey Lam, President of Commercial Aerospace at ST Engineering, highlighted the strategic importance of Ezhou as a logistics and aviation hub, stating, “Our new facility in Ezhou is well positioned to meet the rising MRO needs of operators in China and across the region.”
The facility currently employs around 200 staff and is projected to create up to 700 high-value jobs once fully operational. It will also incorporate smart technologies, including robotics and digital systems, to enhance operational efficiency.
Lisheng, Chairman of SF Airlines, noted the facility’s potential to leverage industrial chain synergies and build a competitive maintenance brand, contributing to the high-quality development of the aviation industry.
This development marks a significant expansion of ST Engineering’s global MRO network, aligning with its strategy to optimise its global footprint and meet evolving market demands.
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