MRO & Manufacturing
AerFin and BH Worldwide Expand Aviation Logistics Partnership in Asia Pacific
AerFin and B&H Worldwide strengthen their logistics partnership in Asia-Pacific, boosting aircraft disassembly and aftermarket services with advanced technology and sustainability.
Introduction
The aviation aftermarket is undergoing a transformation driven by the need for efficient supply chains, sustainability, and rapid market expansion, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. In this context, the logistics partnership between AerFin, a leading aviation asset specialist, and B&H Worldwide, a global aerospace logistics provider, stands out as a significant development. Their collaboration, which began in Southeast Asia and has since expanded, demonstrates how strategic alliances can address complex industry challenges and unlock new growth opportunities.
This article explores the foundation, operational impact, and broader implications of the AerFin–B&H Worldwide partnership. We examine how their joint expertise in aircraft acquisition, disassembly, and parts distribution is reshaping aviation logistics in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. Through industry data, project examples, and expert commentary, we analyze the partnership’s role in advancing efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in the aviation aftermarket.
Partnership Background and Strategic Foundation
AerFin and B&H Worldwide’s partnership began in 2022, initially focusing on supporting AerFin’s operations in Singapore with warehousing and inventory management. AerFin specializes in the acquisition, sale, leasing, and repair of aircraft, engines, and parts, providing cost-effective solutions to airlines, lessors, and MROs. Its business model emphasizes value maximization through asset origination, MRO preparation, and optimized exit strategies.
B&H Worldwide, with over 35 years of experience in aerospace logistics, offers services such as time-critical shipments, inventory management, and customs brokerage. Their sector-specific expertise and customer-centric approach have made them a trusted partner for airlines, OEMs, and lessors.
The partnership expanded to Hong Kong, where B&H Worldwide began supporting AerFin’s ambitious aircraft acquisition and disassembly projects. This collaboration was formalized at Aviation Week’s MRO Americas 2023, setting the stage for further regional growth in Australia and Singapore. AerFin’s robust financial position, annual revenues reported between $66 million and over $300 million USD and strong operational margins, enables it to undertake complex projects requiring advanced logistics coordination.
Industry Context and Market Dynamics
The aviation aftermarket is experiencing robust growth. The global aerospace logistics service market was valued at $15 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $24 billion by 2033, reflecting a 5.5% compound annual growth rate. This expansion is driven by increasing supply chain complexity, heightened demand for efficient logistics, and the broader growth of the aerospace sector.
Asia-Pacific is a focal point for this growth. The region’s logistics market was valued at $2.22 trillion in 2024 and is expected to reach $3.62 trillion by 2033. Factors like e-commerce, urbanization, infrastructure investment, and cross-border trade are fueling this trend. Advanced technologies, automation, AI, IoT, are enhancing efficiency and reliability in logistics operations.
Within aviation, the aircraft disassembly and recycling market is projected to grow at 4.7% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. Key drivers include cost reduction via teardown, environmental Sustainability, and demand for used parts. The MRO sector is also expanding, with forecasts of 2.7% annual growth through 2035 and engine-related services representing a major share.
“The partnership between AerFin and B&H Worldwide exemplifies how specialized logistics solutions are critical to supporting the rapidly evolving aviation aftermarket, especially in high-growth regions like Southeast Asia.”
Operational Excellence and Project Delivery
B&H Worldwide’s Hong Kong station delivers a full suite of logistics services for AerFin’s aircraft acquisitions: freight forwarding, packing, dangerous goods handling, customs brokerage, and inventory management. These capabilities are vital for the complex logistics of aircraft teardown and parts redistribution across borders.
The companies leverage B&H’s FirstTRAC software platform for real-time inventory tracking, shipment updates, and documentation management. This ensures transparency and data integrity throughout the supply chain, which is especially important for regulatory compliance and customer confidence.
A landmark achievement was the disassembly of six Airbus A330-200 aircraft at Hong Kong International Airport. This project required intensive coordination with airport authorities, regulatory bodies, and logistics providers. Challenges included operating within one of the world’s busiest airports, managing unique technical requirements (such as Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines), and adhering to strict safety and environmental standards. B&H Worldwide’s comprehensive logistics support, from on-site packing to customs navigation, was instrumental in the project’s success.
“B&H Worldwide was an indispensable partner in our groundbreaking A330-200 disassembly project at HKIA,” said Simon Bayliss, COO of AerFin, highlighting the logistics provider’s role in overcoming unprecedented challenges.
Supply Chain Innovation and Regional Expansion
The AerFin–B&H Worldwide partnership addresses persistent supply chain challenges in aviation, such as component shortages, turnaround delays, and material cost inflation. Industry surveys indicate that over half of respondents expect these issues to persist for at least 18 months, with many citing the need for better supplier performance and shorter lead times.
To mitigate these challenges, MRO facilities are increasing inventory holdings, a move that stresses supply chains but underscores the value of reliable logistics partners. The partnership’s use of advanced tracking (FirstTRAC), secure warehousing, and efficient distribution networks ensures that AerFin can respond quickly to market needs and supply chain disruptions.
Geographically, the partnership has evolved from Singapore to Hong Kong, creating strategic hubs for parts distribution and inventory management in Asia-Pacific. AerFin’s increased inventory of A320, 737, and A330 family parts in the region demonstrates its commitment to serving local clients. The Hong Kong operation, in particular, provides a gateway to China and broader Asian markets, aligning with the region’s status as a global aviation powerhouse.
“With our decision to extend our global reach into Asia Pacific, the expansion of the B&H agreement strengthens the work we have already been undertaking within Singapore,” said Paul Ashcroft, Senior VP Asia Pacific at AerFin.
Financial Performance and Industry Recognition
AerFin’s financial strength supports its ability to invest in infrastructure and talent. Recent data shows turnover of £236.7 million with net assets of £64.6 million. Operating margins (11.8%) and employee compensation are notably above industry averages. The company’s new 116,000 sq. ft. headquarters in South Wales doubles its engine MRO capacity and features sustainability-focused design, earning BREEAM Excellent accreditation.
The partnership’s operational excellence has earned industry accolades, including the Ishka Editor’s Award for “Deal of The Year 2024” for the Hong Kong A330-200 disassembly. This recognition highlights the project’s innovative approach and successful navigation of regulatory, technical, and logistical challenges.
Such achievements reinforce the partnership’s reputation for delivering complex projects and supporting sustainable aviation practices through efficient end-of-life management and parts recycling.
Competitive Landscape and Future Outlook
The aviation aftermarket and logistics sector is highly competitive, with players like TARMAC AEROSAVE, AAR Corp., and China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings offering services in recycling, component management, and disassembly. Differentiation hinges on technological capabilities, geographic reach, and regulatory expertise. AerFin and B&H Worldwide’s partnership, with its advanced tracking systems and proven project delivery, creates barriers to entry for competitors.
Environmental sustainability is an emerging differentiator. AerFin’s commitment to net zero operations and BREEAM-certified facilities positions it favorably as the industry increasingly values circular economy principles and responsible asset management.
Looking ahead, industry forecasts support continued growth. The Commercial-Aircraft disassembly market is expected to maintain a 4.7% CAGR through 2034, while Asia-Pacific’s logistics market is projected to expand rapidly. The partnership’s established presence in Singapore and Hong Kong, combined with its technology and sustainability focus, positions both companies to capitalize on these trends.
Conclusion
The AerFin and B&H Worldwide partnership exemplifies how strategic collaboration between aviation asset specialists and logistics providers can address the evolving needs of the global aviation aftermarket. Their success in executing complex projects, such as the historic A330-200 disassembly at Hong Kong International Airport, demonstrates the value of specialized logistics expertise and innovative supply chain management.
As supply chain challenges persist and demand for sustainable, efficient logistics grows, the partnership’s operational excellence, technology integration, and regional expansion will likely continue to set industry benchmarks. This collaboration not only supports AerFin’s growth ambitions but also advances broader industry goals of efficiency, resilience, and environmental stewardship.
FAQ
What services does B&H Worldwide provide for AerFin in Southeast Asia?
B&H Worldwide supports AerFin with freight forwarding, packing, dangerous goods handling, customs brokerage, storage, and inventory management, particularly in Hong Kong and Singapore.
What was significant about the A330-200 disassembly project at Hong Kong International Airport?
It was the first commercial aircraft teardown at the airport, requiring complex logistics and regulatory coordination, and showcased the partnership’s ability to deliver in challenging environments.
How does technology support the partnership’s logistics operations?
The proprietary FirstTRAC platform provides real-time inventory tracking, shipment updates, and documentation, ensuring transparency, compliance, and efficient supply chain management.
What are the future growth prospects for AerFin and B&H Worldwide in the region?
With Asia-Pacific’s logistics market projected to grow rapidly and ongoing expansion in Singapore and Hong Kong, the partnership is well-positioned to capitalize on increasing demand for aviation logistics and aftermarket services.
Sources
Photo Credit: AerFin
MRO & Manufacturing
GE Aerospace CNC Apprenticeship Graduates 80 in First Year
GE Aerospace marks one year of its Wilmington, NC CNC machinist apprenticeship, graduating 80+ participants trained to produce jet engine components.
GE Aerospace announced on August 25, 2026, that more than 80 participants have graduated from its Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinist apprenticeship program in Wilmington, North Carolina, during the initiative’s first year of operation. The milestone highlights the manufacturer’s ongoing efforts to alleviate aerospace supply chain constraints by accelerating the training of skilled labor for critical jet engine component production.
In a press release issued to mark the program’s anniversary, GE Aerospace detailed that the eight-week training pipeline was developed in partnership with Cape Fear Community College (CFCC). The initiative supports the production of precision core engine parts, including blisks, spools, and high-pressure turbine disks, which are currently in high demand across both commercial and military aviation sectors.
Workforce development and training structure
The apprenticeship model condenses the initial skills acquisition phase into an eight-week window. Participants undergo five weeks of intensive instruction at CFCC facilities before moving to the GE Aerospace plant floor for applied training. The curriculum is designed to transition individuals with no prior aviation manufacturing experience into capable CNC machinists. The program is also supported by funding from North Carolina’s NCEdge initiative.
Mark Moon, the GE Aerospace site leader in Wilmington, stated that the program is essential for growing the local workforce required to deliver critical engine parts to customers. The initiative targets candidates from diverse professional backgrounds who are looking to enter the aerospace manufacturing sector.
“I joined the apprenticeship program to pursue a new career path and create a better future for myself and my family. It’s a great way to step into this field where you can thrive and make a career out of it,” said Joseph Knox, a recent graduate of the program.
Broader manufacturing investments
The Wilmington apprenticeship program operates within the context of a $1 billion U.S. manufacturing investment planned by GE Aerospace for 2026. Of that total, the company allocated $160 million to its North Carolina facilities, with $60 million specifically directed to the Wilmington site to expand capacity and upgrade equipment.
The educational partnership builds on prior philanthropic investments in the region. The GE Aerospace Foundation awarded a $100,000 grant to CFCC in 2024 to support machining bootcamps and scholarships. Additionally, the foundation donated $500,000 in 2025 to the Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America initiative. CFCC President Jim Morton noted that the collaboration illustrates the function of community colleges in building the talent pipelines necessary to support regional economic and industrial expansion.
AirPro News analysis
We view the rapid scaling of the Wilmington apprenticeship program as a direct response to the persistent skilled labor shortages bottlenecking global engine production and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) networks. By vertically integrating the training process and partnering directly with local educational institutions, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like GE Aerospace can bypass traditional, slower labor acquisition methods. The specific focus on CNC machining for high-pressure turbine disks and blisks targets the exact components that have historically paced engine delivery schedules and constrained aftermarket support.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
MRO & Manufacturing
AAE Opens 1900sqm MRO Facility at Albury Airport Australia
Australian Aerospace Engineering opens a new MRO facility in Albury, NSW, supporting UH-60M Black Hawk sustainment for the Australian Army.
Australian Aerospace Engineering (AAE) officially opened a new 1,900-square-meter Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility adjacent to Albury Airport (ABX) in New South Wales on August 25, 2026. The purpose-built site consolidates the company’s aerospace maintenance and manufacturing capabilities to support domestic aviation and defense operations.
In a press release issued on August 25, AAE detailed that the new infrastructure expands its capacity to perform complex aerospace work domestically. The opening coincides with an expanded Partnerships announcement from Lockheed Martin Australia, integrating the Albury facility into the sustainment network for the Australian Army’s UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters fleet.
Facility capabilities and defense integration
The new site brings together multiple specialized services under one roof. These include aircraft maintenance, component overhaul, non-destructive testing (NDT), machining, manufacturing, spare-parts storage, and specialist surface treatment. The facility features a semi-downdraft heated spray booth and an adjoining helipad designed specifically to support maintenance operations for medium to large helicopter platforms.
The infrastructure investment directly supports AAE’s growing role in the Australian defense supply chain. On the same day as the facility opening, Lockheed Martin Australia confirmed the site will support the sustainment of the Australian Army’s UH-60M Black Hawk fleet. AAE also lists Sikorsky Australia, Pilatus Australia, and BAE Systems among its defense and aerospace partners.
Regional economic impact and company growth
The Albury facility marks a significant expansion for AAE, which has operated for more than 20 years. The company has grown its workforce from an initial three-person family business to a current team of 14 employees.
Justin Clancy MP, Member for Albury, officiated the opening ceremony. He noted that the facility provides a foundation for ongoing growth, including the addition of new engineering and technical roles in the coming years.
“The opening of AAE’s new facility is a fantastic outcome for Albury, creating opportunities for highly skilled local jobs and demonstrating what regional Australian businesses can achieve in advanced aerospace and Defence Industries,” Clancy said.
AAE Chief Executive Officer Adam Johnston stated that the new site gives the company the space and resources required to take on more complex work. Prior to the formal opening, the Governor of New South Wales, Margaret Beazley, conducted an official tour of the newly constructed facility on February 18, 2026.
AirPro News analysis
We view the expansion of regional MRO capabilities in Australia as a critical step in building sovereign defense industrial capacity. By locating specialized services like NDT and component overhaul outside major metropolitan hubs, companies like AAE reduce supply chain bottlenecks for critical platforms like the UH-60M Black Hawk. The integration of a dedicated helipad and specialized spray booth indicates a clear strategic focus on rotary-wing sustainment, positioning the Albury site as a specialized node in the broader Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky Australia support network.
Sources: Australian Aerospace Engineering
Photo Credit: Australian Aerospace Engineering
MRO & Manufacturing
Lion Group Opens Batam Aero Engine MRO Facility in Indonesia
Lion Group launched Batam Aero Engine on Aug 19, 2026, offering engine and APU MRO services to serve Southeast Asian operators.
Lion Group has officially commenced operations at its new Batam Aero Engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Indonesia, aiming to capture a larger share of the Asian engine maintenance market and reduce domestic reliance on foreign service providers.
The facility, which opened on August 19, 2026, provides both on-wing and off-wing maintenance for jet engines, turboprop engines, and Auxiliary Power Units (APUs). The Launch was detailed in a press release issued by Lion Group on August 21, 2026, highlighting the company’s push to localize critical aviation supply chains.
Technical capabilities and infrastructure
Batam Aero Engine enters the market with specialized diagnostic and repair capabilities designed to service a variety of powerplants. According to the Lion Group press release, the facility is equipped to perform complex procedures including Low Pressure Turbine (LPT) module replacements.
The maintenance center also features advanced borescope inspection equipment. Certified personnel will utilize IPLEX NX, IPLEX GX/GT, and Mentor Flex systems to conduct internal engine diagnostics. These capabilities allow technicians to assess engine health and identify potential defects without requiring full engine teardowns, thereby reducing maintenance turnaround times for operators.
Strategic expansion in the Asian MRO market
The inauguration event in Batam drew key figures from both the company and Indonesian regulatory bodies, including Lion Group Founder Rusdi Kirana and Batam Mayor Dr. Amsakar Achmad. The strategic placement of the facility in Batam leverages existing industrial infrastructure and proximity to regional trade routes to attract maintenance contracts from across Southeast Asia-Pacific.
Lion Group President Director Captain Daniel Putut Kuncoro Adi emphasized the dual focus of the new enterprise.
“We hope this facility can serve domestic needs as well as friendly countries and further strengthen Indonesia’s aviation industry,” Adi stated, according to reporting by Aviation Business News.
Indonesian regulators also view the facility as a step toward greater self-sufficiency in the aviation sector. Sokhib Al Rokhman, Director of Airworthiness and Aircraft Operations at Indonesia’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), highlighted the broader national strategy during the launch.
“We want to strengthen aviation independence by making Batam Aero Engine an MRO hub that is efficient, responsive, and competitive in the Asian market,” Rokhman said, as reported by ePlaneAI.
AirPro News analysis
The establishment of Batam Aero Engine represents a calculated vertical integration Strategy by Lion Group. By bringing engine and APU maintenance in-house, the operator can better control maintenance costs and mitigate Supply-Chain bottlenecks that have constrained the global MRO sector in recent years. Furthermore, positioning the facility in Batam allows Indonesia to compete directly with established MRO hubs in neighboring Singapore and Malaysia. If the facility can secure third-party contracts as intended, it will mark a significant maturation of Indonesia’s domestic aviation technical capabilities and workforce.
Sources: Lion Air Public Relations
Photo Credit: Batam Aero Engine
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