MRO & Manufacturing
HAECO and Liebherr Strengthen Maintenance for COMAC Aircraft
HAECO and Liebherr-Aerospace partner to enhance hydraulic maintenance for COMAC’s C909 and C919, boosting China’s aerospace MRO capabilities.
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
Photo Credit: HAECO
MRO & Manufacturing
Ornge Goes Paperless with Ramco Digital Maintenance Platform
Ontario air ambulance provider Ornge completes paperless maintenance transition using Ramco Systems, meeting Transport Canada compliance requirements.
Ontario-based air ambulance provider Ornge has transitioned its maintenance operations to a fully paperless workflow across all bases following the implementation of Ramco Systems’ digital maintenance platforms.
Announced in an August 25, 2026, press release, the transition utilizes Ramco’s Digital Task Card with eSign-off and the Mechanic Anywhere Mobile Application. The system supports Ornge’s fleet of Leonardo AW-139 helicopters and Pilatus PC-12 fixed-wing Commercial-Aircraft, meeting Transport Canada (TC) compliance requirements for digital maintenance sign-offs.
Modernizing maintenance execution
The shift replaces traditional paper-based task cards with a mobile-enabled system, allowing Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) to execute and sign off on tasks in real time. The integration is designed to streamline turnaround times for the critical air ambulance fleet.
“In addition to helping us go paperless, Ramco’s Digital Task Card and Mechanic Anywhere app is well positioned to help us in our efforts to ensure timely maintenance turnaround times,” said Robert Zwanenburg, Technical Services Manager at Ornge.
Zwanenburg noted the importance of providing front-line crews with accessible tools regardless of their working location, ensuring that maintenance personnel can update records directly from the hangar floor or flight line.
Broader industry shift toward digital MRO
The Ornge implementation aligns with a wider aviation industry trend of adopting digital Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) platforms. Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Customer Officer for Aviation, Aerospace & Defense at Ramco Systems, stated that aviation maintenance is moving toward a mobile-first future, citing the Ornge deployment as a practical example of this shift.
Ramco Systems has recently expanded its footprint in the aviation software sector. On August 24, 2026, the company announced a contract with Royal Jordanian Airlines to modernize its fleet maintenance and engineering operations. Earlier in the month, on August 20, 2026, FAA- and EASA-certified engine MRO provider Pem-Air also selected Ramco Aviation Software to manage its maintenance operations and transition toward paperless workflows.
AirPro News analysis
We view the digitization of maintenance records as a critical operational upgrade for specialized operators like Ornge. Air ambulance services require high dispatch reliability, and reducing the administrative friction of paper-based compliance can directly impact aircraft availability. Transport Canada’s acceptance of digital sign-offs enables operators to maintain strict regulatory Compliance while accelerating the return-to-service process for both rotary and fixed-wing assets.
Sources: Ramco Systems
Photo Credit: Ramco Systems
MRO & Manufacturing
Textron Aviation Earns CASA Part 145 Approval in Australia
Textron Aviation secures CASA Part 145 certification for three Australian service centers supporting 1,400+ aircraft.
Textron Aviation has secured Part 145 approval from Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), authorizing the manufacturer to provide factory-direct maintenance and overhaul services across its three company-owned Australian facilities.
Announced in a press release on August 26, 2026, the certification establishes one of the most comprehensive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) support networks in the country. The approval covers Textron Aviation service centers in Melbourne, Perth, and the Gold Coast, enabling the company to support a regional fleet of more than 1,400 Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft.
Expanding the Asia-Pacific footprint
The CASA Part 145 certification represents the culmination of a multi-year expansion strategy in the Asia-Pacific market. On January 6, 2020, Textron Aviation acquired Australian maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider Premiair Aviation Maintenance.
The manufacturer officially rebranded the acquired facilities to Textron Aviation Australia on June 12, 2024, integrating them into a global network that includes more than 300 authorized service facilities and over 40 mobile service units.
Earlier this year, on May 5, 2026, the company opened a purpose-built, 35,000-square-foot service center at Essendon Fields Airport in Melbourne. This new facility more than doubled the company’s previous maintenance capacity in the city, setting the stage for the regulatory approval required to operate as a fully certified OEM maintenance organization.
Factory-direct service capabilities
With the regulatory approval now in place, Textron Aviation can perform a wider range of services directly rather than relying on third-party MRO providers. The CASA Part 145 certificate verifies that the company’s maintenance organization meets Australia’s stringent aviation safety and quality standards.
The authorization permits the facilities to conduct routine maintenance, complex modifications, and full overhauls. It also enhances the company’s ability to dispatch aircraft-on-ground (AOG) support for operators experiencing unscheduled maintenance events across the continent.
AirPro News analysis
We view this regulatory milestone as a critical step in Textron Aviation’s strategy to capture more aftermarket revenue while tightening its relationship with Asia-Pacific operators. By bringing former third-party MRO operations fully under the corporate umbrella and securing the necessary CASA approvals, the manufacturer ensures that Australian owners of Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft remain within the factory service ecosystem. This localized, factory-direct model reduces downtime for operators and provides Textron Aviation with a stable, long-term revenue stream in a geographically isolated but highly active business aviation market.
Sources: Textron Aviation
Photo Credit: Textron Aviation
MRO & Manufacturing
Electra Invests $850M in Ohio Plant for EL9 Aircraft
Electra commits $850M to build an EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft facility in Springfield, Ohio, targeting 400 aircraft per year.
Electra has committed $850 million to build its first scaled manufacturing facility in Springfield, Ohio, where the company will produce its EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. The investment is projected to generate 1,975 jobs in Clark County and marks the transition of the nine-passenger aircraft from development to commercial production.
Announced on July 21, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow, the agreement with JobsOhio and state officials places the new plant at AirPark Ohio, adjacent to the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport. The EL9, which traces its origins to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) class project, utilizes blown-lift technology to operate from unconventional spaces.
Production capacity and regional impact
The Springfield facility will initially support a production rate of 400 aircraft per year. Electra plans to eventually double this capacity to 800 airframes annually as the program matures and market demand dictates.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine highlighted the state’s historical ties to aviation and its current focus on advanced air mobility (AAM) manufacturing.
“Ohio is where flight began, and the Dayton-Springfield area has become the national epicenter for advanced air mobility,” DeWine stated in a press release. “Electra’s decision to bring nearly 2,000 new jobs to Springfield will be transformative for Clark County.”
Electra CEO Marc Allen emphasized the importance of the Ohio site selection for the program’s next phase, noting the region’s established aerospace and defense ecosystem.
“This agreement is the moment that our vision moves from demonstration into reality,” Allen said. “In Springfield and Clark County, we found the rare combination this next era requires: a ready site, a skilled workforce, a deep aerospace and defense ecosystem, and state and local leaders with the commitment and vision to build it with us.”
Aircraft capabilities and recent milestones
The EL9 Ultra Short is designed to carry nine passengers and requires a minimum runway length of just 150 feet for takeoff and landing. Electra refers to this operational model as “Direct Aviation,” targeting point-to-point transport using infrastructure such as parking lots, barges, and sports fields rather than traditional airport runways.
The aircraft’s development has accelerated in recent weeks. On July 10, 2026, Electra reached an initial certification milestone with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Five days later, the manufacturer finalized an agreement with Safran to develop and produce the TG600 Turbogenerator, which will power the EL9.
An August 25, 2026, feature published by MIT News detailed the aircraft’s academic roots, noting its evolution from a classroom concept to a fully funded commercial program.
AirPro News analysis
We view Electra’s $850 million manufacturing commitment as a critical indicator of maturity in the hybrid-electric aviation sector. While much of the advanced air mobility industry has focused on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) designs, Electra’s blown-lift, fixed-wing approach offers a distinct payload and range profile while still minimizing infrastructure requirements. Securing a dedicated production facility with substantial state backing suggests the company is successfully navigating the transition from prototyping to industrialization, a phase that has historically challenged new aerospace entrants.
Sources: MIT News, Electra Newsroom
Photo Credit: Electra
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