HAECO and Liebherr Strengthen Maintenance for COMAC Aircraft

HAECO and Liebherr-Aerospace Strengthen COMAC Aircraft Maintenance Capabilities

As China’s aviation sector continues its rapid ascent, the development and maintenance of indigenous aircraft have become national priorities. The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) sits at the heart of this ambition, with its flagship models, the C919 and C909, representing key milestones in the country’s push to reduce reliance on Western aerospace giants like Boeing and Airbus.

To support the operational longevity and reliability of these aircraft, COMAC has increasingly sought to establish a robust Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) ecosystem. A recent partnership between HAECO, a leading MRO service provider, and Liebherr-Aerospace, a recognized Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs), marks a significant step in this direction. Their collaboration focuses on the maintenance of hydraulic components for both the C909 and C919 aircraft, aiming to deliver localized, efficient, and high-quality support.

This article explores the implications of this partnership, the strategic motivations behind it, and how it fits into the broader context of China’s aerospace ambitions and global MRO market trends.

Background: COMAC’s Fleet and China’s Aviation Strategy

COMAC’s C919 is China’s first domestically developed narrowbody jet, designed to compete with the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX. Alongside it, the C909, formerly known as the ARJ21, serves as a regional jet aimed at short-haul routes. These aircraft are central to China’s strategy to build a self-reliant aviation sector, both in manufacturing and ongoing operational support.

As of 2024, there are 20 C919s in active service and 151 C909s, including seven operated by international carriers. COMAC has ambitious plans to scale production, with targets to deliver 30 C919s in 2025 and ramp up to 200 annually by 2029. These figures underscore the urgent need for a reliable and scalable MRO infrastructure to support fleet growth.

Historically, Chinese airlines have depended on foreign MRO providers, particularly for advanced systems like hydraulics and avionics. This reliance has posed challenges, including high costs, longer turnaround times, and limited control over critical maintenance processes. The partnership between HAECO and Liebherr-Aerospace seeks to address these gaps by localizing component maintenance capabilities within China.

COMAC’s Production and Fleet Expansion

Driven by strong domestic demand and state-backed investment, COMAC’s production capabilities have expanded significantly. The C919 has amassed over 1,000 Orders, primarily from Chinese carriers such as Air China and China Eastern Airlines. Meanwhile, the C909 continues to serve as a testbed for operational procedures and maintenance routines that will be applied to the C919.

COMAC plans to invest approximately $4.7 billion in 2025 to enhance its production infrastructure and supply chain partnerships. This includes expanding its collaboration with key players like HAECO and Liebherr-Aerospace, ensuring that maintenance services can keep pace with delivery schedules and airline operational needs.

By integrating MRO capabilities into its aircraft lifecycle, COMAC aims to offer airlines a comprehensive support package, potentially making its aircraft more attractive to international buyers who prioritize service reliability and cost-efficiency.

HAECO and Liebherr: Strategic Fit

HAECO brings decades of MRO experience, with facilities across Asia and a reputation for high-quality service delivery. Its financial performance in 2024 reflects strong growth, with a recurring profit of HK$672 million, up from HK$465 million the previous year. This financial strength allows HAECO to invest in expanding its component maintenance capabilities, including hydraulic systems critical to aircraft operation.

Liebherr-Aerospace, on the other hand, is a globally recognized OEM specializing in flight control and hydraulic systems. In 2024, the Liebherr Group reported revenues of €14.6 billion, with aerospace identified as a key growth driver. The company’s expertise in designing and manufacturing complex systems complements HAECO’s maintenance capabilities, creating a synergistic partnership.

The agreement between the two companies builds on an existing collaboration for landing gear maintenance on the C909, extending their cooperation to more complex hydraulic components. These include systems responsible for flight control surfaces, landing gear actuation, and braking, areas where maintenance precision is critical for safety and performance.

“This partnership combines HAECO’s MRO know-how with our OEM capabilities, delivering efficient solutions for China’s commercial jets.”, Eric Thévenot, General Manager, Liebherr-Aerospace China

Strategic Implications and Industry Trends

The HAECO-Liebherr agreement is not just a bilateral business deal; it reflects broader shifts in the global aviation landscape. As China seeks to reduce its dependence on foreign aerospace suppliers, the localization of MRO services becomes a strategic imperative. This is particularly relevant in the context of geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions that have affected the aviation industry globally.

According to market research from Spherical Insights, China’s aerospace MRO market is projected to reach $65.6 billion by 2035, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.6%. Key growth areas include engine overhaul, component repair, and avionics maintenance. The HAECO-Liebherr partnership is well-positioned to capture a share of this expanding market by offering OEM-backed, in-country maintenance solutions.

Moreover, the collaboration aligns with a global trend toward regionalizing MRO services. Airlines are increasingly seeking maintenance providers that can offer quick turnaround times and reduce logistical complexities. By establishing hydraulic component support within China, HAECO and Liebherr not only meet COMAC’s needs but also position themselves as potential service providers for other regional operators flying the C909 and C919.

Expert Commentary and Industry Reactions

Industry experts view the partnership as a model for future collaborations between OEMs and MRO providers. By combining design expertise with operational know-how, such alliances can deliver more efficient and reliable maintenance outcomes. Sandra Nieuwenhuijzen, HAECO Group Director of Component and Engine Services, emphasized this point, stating that the collaboration will enhance operational efficiency and reliability for COMAC and its operators.

Analysts also note that the partnership addresses a critical bottleneck in China’s aerospace strategy: the lack of mature, localized MRO capabilities. By investing in these services now, COMAC can ensure that its aircraft remain competitive not just in terms of purchase price but also in lifecycle support, a key consideration for airlines.

Finally, the agreement may encourage other OEMs to explore similar partnerships in China and other emerging markets, further decentralizing the global MRO landscape and fostering innovation through cross-border collaboration.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Aerospace Independence

The partnership between HAECO and Liebherr-Aerospace represents a strategic milestone in China’s journey toward aerospace self-sufficiency. By localizing critical maintenance services for COMAC’s C909 and C919 aircraft, the collaboration enhances operational reliability and reduces dependence on foreign MRO providers. This move not only supports COMAC’s production targets but also strengthens its value proposition to both domestic and international customers.

Looking ahead, the success of this partnership could serve as a blueprint for other nations seeking to build indigenous aerospace capabilities. As the global aviation industry continues to evolve, collaborations that combine OEM precision with MRO agility will likely become the norm rather than the exception.

FAQ

What aircraft are covered under the HAECO-Liebherr partnership?
The agreement covers hydraulic component maintenance for COMAC’s C909 and C919 aircraft.

Why is this partnership significant?
It supports China’s goal of building a self-reliant aviation industry by localizing critical MRO services.

What are COMAC’s production targets for the C919?
COMAC aims to produce 30 C919 aircraft in 2025 and scale up to 200 annually by 2029.

Who are the key players in this partnership?
HAECO, a leading MRO provider, and Liebherr-Aerospace, an OEM specializing in hydraulic systems.

What is the projected size of China’s MRO market?
The market is expected to reach $65.6 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 11.6%.

Sources:
HAECO Press Release,
Aviation Week,
Spherical Insights,
Liebherr Group Report,
ePlane AI