MRO & Manufacturing
HAECO Signs Exclusive Airbus A330 Maintenance Deal with Brussels Airlines
HAECO will provide exclusive base maintenance for Brussels Airlines’ A330 fleet from 2025 to 2028 at Hong Kong facilities, enhancing operational efficiency.
The recent signing of a comprehensive base maintenance agreement between HAECO and Brussels Airlines marks a pivotal development in the global aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector. As airlines worldwide navigate an increasingly complex operational landscape, strategic partnerships such as this not only ensure operational reliability but also reflect broader shifts in how maintenance services are sourced and delivered. With the aviation industry experiencing robust post-pandemic recovery and technological transformation, this deal highlights the ongoing evolution of MRO practices and the growing importance of cross-continental collaborations.
Under the three-year contract, HAECO will serve as the exclusive base maintenance provider for Brussels Airlines’ Airbus A330-300 fleet during the winter season, leveraging its advanced facilities at Hong Kong International Airport. This agreement comes at a time when the global MRO market is projected to reach nearly $121 billion by 2030, driven by fleet growth, aging aircraft, and technological advancements. The partnership not only underscores HAECO’s position as a global MRO leader but also exemplifies the strategic imperatives guiding airline maintenance outsourcing in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
The agreement between HAECO and Brussels Airlines is structured to maximize operational efficiency and flexibility for both parties. Commencing in September 2025 and running through 2028, HAECO Hong Kong will provide C-checks (including C1 and C2) and six-year inspections for Brussels Airlines’ entire fleet of 10 Airbus A330-300 aircraft. These checks are among the most thorough in the industry, requiring each aircraft to undergo detailed inspections, part replacements, and system overhauls, ensuring continued airworthiness and safety.
The maintenance will take place at HAECO’s 22-bay hangar at Hong Kong International Airport, one of the largest and most advanced in the Asia-Pacific region. The location provides logistical advantages for parts supply and crew movement, contributing to efficient maintenance turnaround times. By focusing on the winter season, when aircraft utilization typically drops, Brussels Airlines can optimize its fleet availability during peak travel periods and minimize operational disruptions.
Both companies have underscored the value of regulatory compliance and technical expertise in this partnership. HAECO’s European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification ensures that all maintenance meets stringent European standards, a critical factor for Brussels Airlines as a European carrier. The airline’s leadership has cited HAECO’s reputation for quality and reliability as key reasons for selecting the Hong Kong-based provider, reflecting a broader industry trend toward outsourcing specialized maintenance to independent, globally recognized MROs.
“We are grateful for Brussels Airlines’ trust in our EASA-approved Airbus A330 base maintenance services and look forward to ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability.”, Gerald Steinhoff, Chief Commercial Officer, HAECO
HAECO’s evolution over 75 years has positioned it as one of the world’s most comprehensive aircraft maintenance organizations. Headquartered in Hong Kong and employing over 16,000 people across 27 locations, HAECO delivers a full spectrum of MRO services, including airframe, engine, component, and landing gear maintenance. The company’s global reach, with operations in the Americas, Europe, and mainland China, enables it to serve more than 400 customers worldwide.
The company’s recent financial performance reflects its market strength. In the first half of 2025, HAECO reported a 7% year-on-year revenue increase, reaching HK$11.201 billion, with recurring profits up 40%. This growth is attributed to increased demand for base maintenance and engine overhaul services, signaling a robust recovery in aviation activity and a rising need for specialized maintenance as fleets return to pre-pandemic utilization levels.
HAECO’s commitment to innovation is further demonstrated by its industry awards and investments in sustainable infrastructure. The company was named “Asia MRO of the Year – Airframe” in 2025, recognized for operational expansion, technology adoption, and sustainability leadership. Its new Xiamen facility, scheduled to open in 2026, will be the world’s largest single-span hangar and the first outside the US to achieve LEED Platinum certification, incorporating solar panels, advanced emissions controls, and automation technologies. “HAECO’s new hangar represents a leap forward in sustainable aviation maintenance, integrating environmental technologies and robotics to set new industry benchmarks.”
Brussels Airlines, the flag carrier of Belgium and a member of the Lufthansa Group, operates an all-Airbus fleet of 46 aircraft, including 10 A330-300s that form the backbone of its long-haul operations. The airline serves over 90 destinations across Europe, North America, and Africa, with a particular focus on African markets where it has established itself as a leading specialist within the Lufthansa network.
The carrier is currently expanding its long-haul fleet, with plans to add three additional A330s in the coming years. This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its African network and increase capacity on key intercontinental routes. As a Star Alliance member and an integral part of the Lufthansa Group, Brussels Airlines benefits from coordinated scheduling, shared technology platforms, and group-wide purchasing power.
Recent organizational changes within the Lufthansa Group will see Brussels Airlines and other subsidiaries adopting more centralized decision-making for network management, while maintaining autonomy over customer-facing services. This shift is designed to enhance efficiency and profitability across the group, but also underscores the importance of reliable, high-quality maintenance partnerships as airlines streamline their operations to focus on core competencies.
The global aircraft MRO market is valued at $90.85 billion in 2024 and is forecast to reach $120.96 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.75%. This growth is driven by expanding fleets, aging aircraft, and the adoption of advanced maintenance technologies. The Asia-Pacific region leads the market, accounting for over 25% of global MRO revenue, reflecting strong fleet growth and increasing air traffic in countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asia.
Engine overhaul remains the largest service segment, representing over 41% of global MRO revenue in 2024. However, airframe maintenance, including the services provided under the HAECO-Brussels Airlines agreement, continues to be a significant and growing market, especially as airlines seek to extend the operational life of high-value widebody aircraft like the A330-300.
Independent MRO providers such as HAECO dominate the market, benefiting from airlines’ preference to outsource non-core maintenance activities. Major competitors include Lufthansa Technik, Singapore Technologies Engineering, AFI KLM E&M, and Delta TechOps, each with unique strengths in geographic reach, technical expertise, and customer relationships. HAECO’s strategic location in Hong Kong, combined with its technological leadership and sustainability credentials, provides a distinct competitive advantage in this environment.
“The Asia-Pacific MRO market is experiencing significant expansion, with HAECO positioning itself as a key player through strategic maintenance agreements and innovative facilities.”
Technological transformation is reshaping the MRO industry. HAECO has invested heavily in digitalization, automation, and predictive maintenance technologies. Drone-assisted inspections, automated guided vehicles, and digital platforms are now integral to its maintenance operations, improving efficiency, safety, and transparency for airline customers.
Sustainability is also a growing priority. HAECO’s new Xiamen facility will feature solar panels, intelligent building management, advanced wastewater treatment, and emissions control technologies. These initiatives not only reduce environmental impact but also align with airlines’ increasing focus on sustainability and regulatory compliance. As airlines and MRO providers work toward net-zero emissions by 2050, maintenance operations will play a crucial role in optimizing aircraft performance, reducing waste, and supporting the industry’s broader environmental objectives. HAECO’s leadership in sustainable infrastructure and environmental management positions it well to meet these evolving demands.
While the financial terms of the HAECO-Brussels Airlines contract have not been disclosed, the agreement represents a significant commitment for both parties. For HAECO, the deal provides predictable revenue and capacity utilization, supporting its ongoing investments in technology and infrastructure. For Brussels Airlines, outsourcing A330 maintenance to a trusted provider reduces capital investment requirements and allows the airline to focus on its core business.
HAECO’s revenue growth and profitability in 2025 demonstrate its ability to capitalize on market recovery and expansion. The company’s investments in new facilities and workforce development further strengthen its position as a leading MRO provider in Asia-Pacific and globally.
The broader economic impact extends throughout the aviation supply chain, supporting jobs, technology development, and industrial capacity. As the MRO market continues to grow, strategic partnerships like this will play an increasingly important role in shaping the industry’s future.
The HAECO-Brussels Airlines base maintenance agreement exemplifies the strategic direction of the global MRO industry. By leveraging HAECO’s advanced facilities and technical expertise, Brussels Airlines ensures the reliability and safety of its expanding long-haul fleet while optimizing operational efficiency through seasonal maintenance scheduling. This partnership reflects broader trends in airline maintenance outsourcing, technological innovation, and sustainability.
As the global MRO market approaches $121 billion by 2030, providers like HAECO that combine scale, innovation, and environmental leadership will be well positioned to capture growth opportunities. The ongoing evolution of airline-MRO relationships, driven by operational complexity and the need for specialized expertise, underscores the importance of strategic collaborations in maintaining the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of global aviation.
What does the HAECO-Brussels Airlines agreement cover? Why did Brussels Airlines choose HAECO? How is the global MRO market evolving? What role does sustainability play in HAECO’s operations? How does this agreement benefit both companies? Sources: HAECO Press Release, Brussels Airlines
Introduction
Strategic Partnership Framework and Contractual Details
HAECO Group: Global MRO Leader and Innovator
Brussels Airlines: Expanding Long-Haul Ambitions
Global MRO Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape
Technological Innovation and Sustainability
Financial and Economic Implications
Conclusion
FAQ
HAECO will provide exclusive base maintenance for Brussels Airlines’ Airbus A330-300 fleet during winter seasons from 2025 to 2028, including comprehensive C-checks and six-year inspections at its Hong Kong facilities.
Brussels Airlines selected HAECO for its EASA-approved maintenance capabilities, strong reputation, and advanced facilities, ensuring high standards of safety and reliability for its long-haul fleet.
The MRO market is expanding due to fleet growth, aging aircraft, and technological advancements. The Asia-Pacific region leads this growth, and independent MROs like HAECO are increasingly favored for their expertise and innovative solutions.
HAECO integrates sustainability through LEED-certified facilities, renewable energy, and advanced environmental management, supporting both regulatory compliance and airline customers’ environmental goals.
HAECO gains a long-term customer and predictable revenue, while Brussels Airlines ensures reliable, high-quality maintenance for its A330 fleet, supporting operational efficiency and fleet expansion plans.
Photo Credit: HAECO
MRO & Manufacturing
Bombardier Acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions to Expand US Service Network
Bombardier acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions, adding a Delaware facility and mobile repair units to enhance its U.S. aftermarket services.
On February 9, 2026, Bombardier announced the acquisition of Velocity Maintenance Solutions, a specialized provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services based in Wilmington, Delaware. The transaction, executed through Bombardier’s U.S. subsidiary Learjet Inc., represents a strategic expansion of the manufacturer’s aftermarket footprint in the high-traffic Northeast corridor.
The acquisition provides Bombardier with immediate access to a 35,000-square-foot facility at New Castle Airport (ILG) and a fleet of mobile repair units designed for rapid response. While financial terms of the deal remain confidential, the move aligns with the company’s stated objective to grow its services revenue and secure a stronger domestic presence in the United States.
According to the company’s official statement, the acquisition is designed to bolster support for Bombardier’s growing fleet of business jets, including the ultra-long-range Global 8000. By integrating Velocity Maintenance Solutions, Bombardier aims to capture more of the lifecycle maintenance market, a sector that offers stable margins compared to the cyclical nature of aircraft sales.
The deal includes significant physical and operational assets that will be integrated into Bombardier’s service network:
Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President of Bombardier Aftermarket Services, highlighted the cultural fit between the two organizations in the press release.
“Velocity Maintenance Solutions’ capabilities and customer-focused culture make it an excellent fit for Bombardier… This acquisition is part of our commitment to continually elevate our service standards.”
Velocity Maintenance Solutions has established itself as an agile player in the MRO space since its emergence around 2021. As an FAA Part 145 Repair Station, the company is authorized to perform scheduled maintenance, structural repairs, and avionics upgrades.
Prior to the acquisition, Velocity serviced a diverse range of aircraft, including models from Embraer, Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream, and Textron, in addition to Bombardier jets. The facility is known for its 24/7 emergency support capabilities, a critical service for business jet operators requiring immediate dispatch reliability.
This acquisition arrives during a complex period for the aerospace industry, characterized by both consolidation and geopolitical friction. By executing the purchase through Learjet Inc., a heritage U.S. brand based in Wichita, Kansas, Bombardier reinforces its status as a significant U.S. employer. This distinction is increasingly vital as the company navigates trade tensions, including recent tariff threats from the U.S. administration regarding Canadian aerospace products.
Expanding physical infrastructure within the United States serves a dual purpose: it insulates the company’s service supply chain from potential cross-border friction and strengthens its eligibility for U.S. defense contracts. Furthermore, in an industry facing a chronic shortage of skilled labor, acquiring a “turnkey” operation with a certified workforce allows Bombardier to bypass the long lead times associated with recruiting and training new technicians. The location in Wilmington also places Bombardier in direct competition with other major service providers at New Castle Airport, including a Dassault Falcon service center, signaling an aggressive push to dominate the Northeast service market.
The acquisition was made by Learjet Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Bombardier.
The existing team of technicians and support staff at Velocity Maintenance Solutions will be retained and integrated into Bombardier’s workforce.
While the press release emphasizes support for Bombardier’s fleet, Velocity has historically serviced various manufacturers. OEMs often honor existing third-party contracts during transition periods, though the long-term focus typically shifts to the parent company’s products.
Bombardier Acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions to Densify U.S. Service Network
Expanding the Aftermarket Ecosystem
Target Profile: Velocity Maintenance Solutions
AirPro News Analysis: Strategic and Political Context
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the acquiring entity?
What happens to the current workforce?
Will Velocity continue to service non-Bombardier aircraft?
Sources
Photo Credit: Velocity Maintenance Solutions
MRO & Manufacturing
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Satair and Joramco renew their 25-year supply agreement at MRO Middle East 2026, supporting Joramco’s maintenance operations and new contracts.
This article is based on an official press release from Satair and additional industry reporting regarding MRO Middle East 2026.
At the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, Satair, an Airbus Services company, and Joramco (Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Limited) officially announced the renewal of their long-standing Consumables and Expendables Supply Agreement. The deal marks the continuation of a strategic partnership that has spanned more than a quarter of a century, reinforcing the critical role of integrated supply chains in the growing Middle Eastern aviation maintenance sector.
According to the announcement, the renewed agreement is designed to secure a consistent flow of essential spare parts for Joramco’s base maintenance operations in Amman, Jordan. By locking in this supply chain solution, Joramco aims to minimize “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) risks and reduce the complexity of material management for its expanding customer base.
The partnership between Satair and Joramco is one of the most enduring in the region. For over 25 years, Satair has served as a primary provider of consumables and expendables, high-volume, low-cost parts essential for routine maintenance, to the Jordan-based MRO provider.
In the official release, the companies highlighted the operational benefits of the extension. The agreement allows Joramco to leverage Satair’s global distribution network, ensuring that parts are available precisely when needed. This “just-in-time” capability is vital for MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul providers) striving to offer competitive turnaround times to airlines.
A primary focus of the renewal is the mitigation of supply chain disruptions. By outsourcing the management of consumables to Satair, Joramco can focus its internal resources on heavy maintenance and engineering tasks rather than logistics. The agreement reportedly covers a comprehensive range of Airbus and Boeing fleet requirements, aligning with Joramco’s diverse capabilities.
“This continued partnership with Satair ensures we have the right parts at the right time, allowing us to deliver superior turnaround times to our global customers.”
, Statement attributed to Joramco leadership regarding the renewal
The renewal comes amidst a flurry of activity at MRO Middle East 2026, where both companies have announced significant independent expansions. The event, held on February 4–5, 2026, has served as a platform for major industry shifts in the region. According to industry reporting from the event, Joramco has also secured a major five-year heavy maintenance agreement with the German leisure carrier Condor. This deal will see Joramco performing base maintenance on Condor’s entire Airbus fleet, including the A320ceo, A320neo, and A330neo. Additionally, Joramco celebrated the first graduates of its Structured On-the-Job Training (SOJT) program, a move aimed at addressing the global shortage of skilled aviation technicians.
Simultaneously, Satair has expanded its footprint in the sustainability sector. Reports from the event indicate Satair signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GAMECO (Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co.) to enter the Used Serviceable Material (USM) market, addressing the rising demand for cost-effective and sustainable parts solutions.
The renewal of the Satair-Joramco agreement highlights a critical trend in the post-2025 aviation landscape: the prioritization of supply chain resilience. In an era where global parts shortages have frequently grounded fleets, MRO providers are increasingly moving toward long-term, integrated agreements with major distributors rather than relying on spot-market purchasing.
Furthermore, the Middle East’s trajectory as a global MRO hub is evident in these announcements. Joramco’s ability to secure European contracts like the Condor deal, backed by a robust supply chain from Satair, suggests that regional players are successfully competing on a global scale by combining geographic advantages with high-grade logistical reliability.
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Supply Chain Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Strengthening a Quarter-Century Alliance
Operational Efficiency and AOG Reduction
Broader Context: MRO Middle East 2026 Developments
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Satair
MRO & Manufacturing
Joramco Renews Maintenance Agreement with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Joramco extends its maintenance contract with Mexican cargo airline mas for heavy checks on Airbus A330 freighters throughout 2026 at its Amman facility.
This article is based on an official press release from Joramco.
Joramco, the Amman-based aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility and engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has officially announced the renewal of its maintenance agreement with mas (formerly MasAir), a prominent Mexican cargo airline. The agreement was finalized and signed during the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, marking a continuation of the strategic partnership between the two entities.
Under the terms of the renewed contract, Joramco will perform heavy base maintenance checks on the mas fleet of Airbus A330 freighters. The work is scheduled to take place throughout 2026 at Joramco’s facility at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan. This announcement underscores the MRO provider’s increasing traction in the global cargo sector and its ability to secure recurring business from international carriers outside its traditional regional stronghold.
According to the company’s announcement, the new deal focuses specifically on heavy base maintenance, often referred to as C-checks, for the carrier’s Airbus A330 fleet. These checks are critical for ensuring the continued airworthiness and operational reliability of the freighter aircraft, which are essential to mas’s global logistics network.
This renewal follows a successful initial collaboration established relatively recently. Joramco and mas first formalized their partnerships in October 2025 at the MRO Europe exhibition in London. That initial agreement covered maintenance checks that began in December 2025. The rapid renewal, signed just four months later, suggests a successful execution of the initial checks and a deepening of the business relationship.
In a statement regarding the renewal, Joramco’s leadership highlighted the significance of the repeat business.
“We are pleased to welcome more aircraft from mas at Joramco. This agreement reaffirms Joramco’s position as a trusted Global MRO provider of choice.”
, Adam Voss, CEO of Joramco
The agreement with mas aligns with Joramco’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint. By securing a renewal with a Latin American carrier, the Jordan-based MRO is demonstrating its competitiveness on a global scale, attracting airframes from the Americas to the Middle-East for heavy maintenance. The timing of this renewal is notable within the wider context of the MRO industry’s capacity constraints. In late 2025, Joramco inaugurated “Hangar 7,” a significant infrastructure expansion that reportedly increased its capacity to 22 parallel maintenance lines. This expansion appears to be paying dividends, allowing the facility to accommodate the “more aircraft” referenced by CEO Adam Voss.
Furthermore, the cargo market remains a demanding sector requiring high asset utilization. For a specialized Cargo-Aircraft airline like mas, which operates a modernizing fleet of Airbus A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) aircraft, securing reliable MRO slots is a strategic priority. The quick transition from an initial contract in late 2025 to a full-year renewal for 2026 indicates that Joramco has successfully met the technical and turnaround time requirements demanded by the cargo carrier.
Joramco: A subsidiary of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), Joramco has operated for over 60 years. Based in Amman, Jordan, it provides airframe maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer aircraft.
mas: Headquartered in Mexico City, mas (formerly MasAir) is a specialized cargo airline operating scheduled and charter freight services across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The airline has been actively expanding its capacity with Airbus A330 freighters to support its international network.
Sources:
Joramco Extends Maintenance Partnership with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Scope of the Renewed Agreement
Strategic Context and Capacity Expansion
AirPro News Analysis
About the Companies
Photo Credit: Joramco
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