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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
What aircraft are covered under the HAECO-Liebherr partnership? Why is this partnership significant? What are COMAC’s production targets for the C919? Who are the key players in this partnership? What is the projected size of China’s MRO market? Sources:
HAECO and Liebherr-Aerospace Strengthen COMAC Aircraft Maintenance Capabilities
Background: COMAC’s Fleet and China’s Aviation Strategy
COMAC’s Production and Fleet Expansion
HAECO and Liebherr: Strategic Fit
Strategic Implications and Industry Trends
Expert Commentary and Industry Reactions
Conclusion: A Step Toward Aerospace Independence
FAQ
The agreement covers hydraulic component maintenance for COMAC’s C909 and C919 aircraft.
It supports China’s goal of building a self-reliant aviation industry by localizing critical MRO services.
COMAC aims to produce 30 C919 aircraft in 2025 and scale up to 200 annually by 2029.
HAECO, a leading MRO provider, and Liebherr-Aerospace, an OEM specializing in hydraulic systems.
The market is expected to reach $65.6 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 11.6%.
HAECO Press Release,
Aviation Week,
Spherical Insights,
Liebherr Group Report,
ePlane AI
Photo Credit: HAECO
MRO & Manufacturing
ITP Aero to Acquire Aero Norway, Expanding CFM56 MRO Services
ITP Aero signs agreement to acquire Aero Norway, enhancing aftermarket capabilities for CFM56 engines and expanding its European MRO presence.
ITP Aero, a global leader in aerospace propulsion, has signed a binding agreement to acquire Aero Norway, a specialized maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider focused on CFM56 engines. According to the company’s official announcement, the transaction is expected to close during the first half of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
The acquisition represents a significant expansion of ITP Aero’s aftermarket capabilities. By integrating Aero Norway’s facility in Stavanger, Norway, ITP Aero aims to reinforce its status as a leading independent player in the aerospace services sector. The move follows a trajectory of aggressive growth for the Spanish propulsion company since its acquisition by Bain Capital in 22.
Aero Norway operates out of a facility at Sola Airport in Stavanger, employing a workforce of over 200 skilled technicians. The company has established a reputation for high-quality engine maintenance, specifically for the CFM56 engine family, serving a global client base of airlines, lessors, and asset managers.
In its press statement, ITP Aero highlighted that the two companies possess “highly complementary strengths.” The deal combines Aero Norway’s deep expertise in engine overhaul with ITP Aero’s existing engineering capabilities and component repair infrastructure. This synergy is designed to offer a more comprehensive suite of services to the aftermarket sector.
This agreement is the latest in a series of strategic moves by ITP Aero. In 2023, the company acquired BP Aero in the United States and was recently selected to join Pratt & Whitney’s GTF MRO network. These steps are part of a broader “2030 Strategic Plan” which aims to double the size of the business and increase the global workforce by 50% by the end of the decade.
While the press release focuses on corporate synergies, the acquisition underscores a critical trend in the current aviation landscape: the extended dominance of the CFM56 engine. As new-generation engines like the LEAP and GTF face supply chain delays and durability challenges, airlines are keeping older aircraft powered by CFM56 engines in service longer than originally planned.
Industry data suggests that approximately 20,000 CFM56 engines will remain in service through 2025. Consequently, the demand for maintenance shop visits is projected to peak between 2025 and 2027. By acquiring a specialist shop like Aero Norway, ITP Aero is effectively positioning itself to capture high-value work during this period of “structural undersupply” in the narrowbody market. This “Golden Tail”, the long, profitable tail end of an engine program’s lifecycle, provides a stable revenue runway for MRO providers capable of handling heavy overhauls. The crossover point where new-generation engine shop visits outnumber CFM56 visits is not expected until later in the decade, making capacity for legacy engines a premium asset today.
Leadership from both organizations emphasized the value of combining their respective technical strengths. Eva Azoulay, CEO of ITP Aero Group, described the agreement as a key component of the company’s roadmap.
“The signing of this binding acquisition agreement marks a significant milestone in our strategic roadmap. This acquisition reinforces our ambition to become a leading independent player in the aerospace aftermarket.”
, Eva Azoulay, CEO of ITP Aero Group
Neil Russell, CEO of Aero Norway, noted that the merger would unlock synergies beneficial to their customer base.
“By combining the complementary strengths of ITP Aero and Aero Norway, we will unlock significant synergies that enhance our competitiveness and deliver even greater value to our customers.”
, Neil Russell, CEO of Aero Norway
ITP Aero reports that it has tripled its earnings since 2022 and is currently implementing a long-term business plan that spans civil, defense, and MRO segments. The company was advised on legal M&A matters regarding this transaction by Baker McKenzie.
Pending regulatory clearance, the integration of Aero Norway into the ITP Aero Group will finalize in 2026, solidifying the company’s footprint in the European MRO market.
Sources:
ITP Aero to Acquire Aero Norway, Strengthening Position in CFM56 Aftermarket
Strategic Expansion in the MRO Sector
AirPro News Analysis: The “Golden Tail” of the CFM56
Executive Commentary
Future Outlook
Photo Credit: ITP Aero
MRO & Manufacturing
AkzoNobel Invests €50 Million to Upgrade US Aerospace Coatings Facilities
AkzoNobel invests €50 million to expand and modernize aerospace coatings production in Illinois and Wisconsin, enhancing capacity and supply chain resilience.
This article is based on an official press release from AkzoNobel.
AkzoNobel has officially announced a significant investments of €50 million (approximately $52–55 million) to modernize and expand its aerospace coatings capabilities in North America. According to the company’s announcement on December 18, 2025, the project will focus on upgrading its flagship manufacturing facility in Waukegan, Illinois, and establishing a new distribution center in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
This strategic move aims to increase production capacity and shorten lead times for airline and Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) customers. By enhancing its supply chain infrastructure, AkzoNobel intends to address the growing demand for air travel and the subsequent need for advanced aerospace coatings.
The investment centers on the Waukegan facility, which currently serves as AkzoNobel’s largest aerospace coatings production site globally. The site employs approximately 200 people and houses a dedicated color center. According to the press release, the capital injection will fund the installation of new machinery and automated processes designed to handle larger batch sizes.
To further optimize operations, the company is relocating its warehousing and distribution activities to a new facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. This relocation is intended to free up floor space at the Waukegan plant, allowing for a focus on complex, customized chemical manufacturing.
Patrick Bourguignon, Director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings, emphasized the forward-looking nature of the investment:
“This investment will increase our comprehensive North American supply capability and solidify our position as a frontrunner in the aerospace coatings industry. Demand for air travel is expected to grow significantly… and we want to make sure our customers are able to meet that demand.”
A key component of the upgrade is the introduction of a “Rapid Service Unit” dedicated to faster turnaround times for the MRO market. The company states that the new infrastructure will include a “liquid pre-batch area” and “high-speed dissolvers” to accelerate production.
Martijn Arkesteijn, Global Operations Director for AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings, noted that these improvements are designed to enhance flexibility for customers: “We’ll be able to provide current and future customers with even more flexibility through the delivery of large batch sizes, better responsiveness to market needs and shorter lead time for color development.”
While AkzoNobel’s announcement focuses on internal efficiency, this investment arrives during a period of intensified competition within the North American aerospace sector. Earlier in 2025, rival manufacturer PPG announced a massive $380 million investment to construct a new aerospace coatings plant in Shelby, North Carolina.
In our view, AkzoNobel’s strategy differs significantly from its competitor’s greenfield approach. Rather than building new capacity from scratch, AkzoNobel is executing a targeted upgrade of existing assets. This “efficiency war” suggests that the company is betting on agility and technology upgrades, specifically the ability to deliver custom colors and small batches quickly via its new Rapid Service Unit, rather than simply expanding raw volume output.
The upgraded facilities are also aligned with the aviation industry’s push for decarbonization. AkzoNobel highlighted that the investment supports the production of its “Basecoat/Clearcoat” systems, which are lighter than traditional coatings. Reducing paint weight is a critical factor for airlines seeking to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Furthermore, the new automated processes are expected to reduce chemical waste and solvent use. The facility upgrades will likely support the increased production of chromate-free primers, meeting stricter regulatory requirements in both the United States and the European Union.
By localizing more storage and production capacity in North America, AkzoNobel also aims to bolster supply chain resilience, addressing vulnerabilities exposed during the post-pandemic aviation recovery.
AkzoNobel Announces €50 Million Upgrade to US Aerospace Coatings Operations
Strategic Expansion in Illinois and Wisconsin
Operational Efficiency and the “Rapid Service Unit”
AirPro News Analysis: The Competitive Landscape
Sustainability and Technology Integration
Sources
Photo Credit: AkzoNobel
MRO & Manufacturing
GE Aerospace Deploys 180 Engineers for Holiday Flight Operations
GE Aerospace positions 180 Field Service Engineers in 34 countries to prevent aircraft groundings and manage winter maintenance challenges during peak holiday travel.
While millions of travelers settle in for holiday downtime, the global aviation industry enters its most critical operational window. According to AAA projections, approximately 122.4 million Americans traveled 50 miles or more from home during the 2024-2025 holiday season, with air travel seeing a projected 2.3% increase in domestic flyers. Behind this surge lies a largely invisible workforce dedicated to preventing cancellations before they happen.
According to an official press release from GE Aerospace, the company deployed 180 Field Service Engineers (FSEs) to 34 countries specifically to support Airlines customers during this peak period. These engineers are “embedded” directly with airlines and airframers, working on tarmacs and in hangars to mitigate technical risks that could otherwise ground fleets during the busiest weeks of the year.
The role of an FSE goes beyond standard maintenance; it involves proactive problem-solving under strict time constraints. GE Aerospace describes these teams as being on the front lines, ensuring that both passenger jets and cargo freighters remain operational despite the strain of high-cycle usage and winter weather.
Jordan Mayes, a Regional Leader for GE Aerospace Commercial Field Service in Western Europe and Africa, highlighted the intensity of the holiday operational tempo in the company’s statement:
“The sense of urgency is more elevated than normal… And often there are fewer hands to do the work.”
, Jordan Mayes, GE Aerospace Regional Leader
This urgency is driven not just by passenger volume, but by a booming air cargo sector. Industry data indicates that air cargo volumes saw double-digit growth in late 2024, driven by e-commerce demands and shipping disruptions in the Red Sea. Stephane Petter, a Regional Leader for Central/Eastern Europe and Central Asia, noted that the stakes for cargo are often underestimated.
“An issue with a grounded or delayed passenger aircraft might delay 350 people. With a cargo plane, thousands of parcels might be delayed, so the downstream customer impact is potentially greater.”
, Stephane Petter, GE Aerospace Regional Leader
To illustrate the impact of embedded engineers, GE Aerospace shared a specific operational success story involving Alaa Ibrahim, the Middle East regional leader. His team was monitoring a Boeing 787 Dreamliner equipped with GEnx-1B engines. The engineers identified a minor clamp repair that was necessary to keep the engine compliant. The engine was only four cycles (flights) away from a mandatory 500-cycle inspection limit. If the limit was reached without the repair, the aircraft would be grounded, a disastrous outcome during peak holiday scheduling.
Instead of waiting for a forced grounding, Ibrahim’s team identified a six-hour window in the aircraft’s schedule. They performed the inspection and repair proactively, ensuring the aircraft remained available for service without disrupting the airline’s timetable.
Beyond scheduling pressures, FSEs must contend with the physical realities of winter aviation. Industry reports highlight that “cold soak”, where an aircraft sits in freezing temperatures for extended periods, presents unique mechanical challenges. Oil can thicken, and seals can shrink or become brittle.
According to technical data regarding modern engines like the CFM LEAP, specific warm-up protocols are required to thermally stabilize the engine before takeoff power is applied. Maintenance teams often switch to lower-viscosity fluids and rigorously check breather tubes for ice accumulation. If a breather tube freezes due to condensation, it can pressurize the engine and cause seal failures.
The deployment of these 180 engineers highlights a broader shift in aviation maintenance from reactive repairs to predictive intervention. By utilizing digital tools that monitor engine health in real-time, often referred to as “Flight Deck” principles, engineers can detect vibration trends or temperature spikes before they trigger a cockpit warning.
We observe that this strategy is particularly vital during the holidays. When load factors are near 100%, airlines have zero spare aircraft to absorb a cancellation. The ability of FSEs to turn a potential “aircraft on ground” (AOG) event into a scheduled maintenance task during a layover is the difference between a smooth operation and a headline-making travel meltdown.
All Sleigh, No Delay: How Field Service Engineers Keep Holiday Fleets Airborne
The “Invisible Elves” of Aviation
Operational Wins: The GEnx-1B “Save”
Technical Challenges in Winter Operations
AirPro News Analysis: The Shift to Predictive Maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
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