HAECO Expands Line Maintenance Services for Japan Airlines in Shanghai

HAECO and Japan Airlines Deepen Partnership with Expanded Maintenance Services in Shanghai

In the world of commercial aviation, where safety and operational efficiency are paramount, the relationships between airlines and their maintenance partners are critical. A significant development in this space has recently unfolded, as Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited (HAECO) and Japan Airlines (JAL) announced an expansion of their long-standing partnership. This new agreement enhances HAECO’s line maintenance services for JAL at Shanghai Pudong International Airports (PVG), a move that signals a deeper level of trust and collaboration between the two aviation giants.

The agreement is noteworthy because it marks the first time Japan Airlines has delegated advanced, non-routine maintenance tasks to an overseas Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) provider at a key outstation. This decision underscores the confidence JAL places in HAECO’s technical expertise and service quality. For over two decades, the two companies have built a relationship that began with HAECO’s first aircraft redelivery for JAL in 1997. This latest expansion is not just a continuation of services but a strategic evolution of their Partnerships, reflecting the dynamic needs of modern airline operations and the growing importance of major international hubs like Shanghai.

This development is set against the backdrop of a rapidly growing aircraft MRO market in the Asia-Pacific region. As air travel continues to rebound and expand, the demand for reliable and comprehensive maintenance services is surging. The strategic positioning of HAECO at PVG, one of the world’s busiest airports for both passenger and cargo traffic, allows it to provide crucial support for JAL’s extensive operations. This expanded collaboration is a clear indicator of how Airlines are optimizing their maintenance strategies to ensure fleet readiness and uphold the highest safety standards in an increasingly competitive global market.

A New Chapter in a Long-Standing Collaboration

The partnership between HAECO and Japan Airlines is built on a foundation of trust that spans more than 25 years. JAL was one of the original shareholders in HAECO Xiamen, and since the first aircraft redelivery in 1997, the collaboration has grown to encompass a wide array of services, including airframe maintenance, engine solutions, and component support. This history of successful cooperation has paved the way for the current expansion, which elevates the partnership to a new level of integration.

Under the new agreement, HAECO will provide an expanded scope of line maintenance services for JAL’s fleet at Shanghai Pudong. For the first time at an overseas station, these services will include planned, non-routine tasks such as detailed technical inspections, lubrication, and specialized testing. Previously, HAECO provided routine line maintenance checks for JAL and its joint venture, Spring Japan, at several airports in mainland China. This new entrustment of more complex tasks signifies a major milestone, demonstrating JAL’s reliance on HAECO as a key technical partner in its international network.

The significance of this move is further highlighted by the fact that HAECO is on track to complete its 400th aircraft input for JAL by mid-2025. Earlier in March 2025, HAECO also completed the first C-check for a Japan Airlines Airbus A350 at its Xiamen facility. These achievements are tangible evidence of an enduring and evolving relationship, showcasing HAECO’s capability to handle modern aircraft and meet the rigorous standards of a world-class airline like JAL.

“We are honoured to be the first international MRO appointed by JAL to deliver specialised line maintenance services at their Chinese Mainland outstation, Shanghai Pudong Airport. This partnership not only reflects JAL’s confidence in HAECO’s best-in-class capabilities but also reinforces our long-standing collaboration, which has steadily expanded in scope and geographic coverage over the years.”, Gerald Steinhoff, Chief Commercial Officer of HAECO.

Strategic Importance and Market Context

The decision to expand services at Shanghai Pudong International Airport is a strategic one for both companies. PVG is a critical global hub, ranking as the world’s second-busiest airport by cargo traffic in 2024 and the busiest in China by passenger volume. Its strategic location and high traffic volume make it an essential node in JAL’s network. By enhancing its maintenance capabilities at this outstation, JAL can ensure greater operational flexibility and efficiency for its fleet operating through this key gateway.

This partnership expansion also aligns with broader industry trends. The Asia-Pacific aircraft MRO market is experiencing robust growth, projected to increase from approximately USD 24.03 billion in 2025 to USD 32.63 billion by 2030. This growth is fueled by increasing air traffic, airline fleet expansions, and the introduction of new-generation aircraft that require advanced maintenance expertise. HAECO, with its extensive network of 19 line maintenance stations across Hong Kong and mainland China, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and support the needs of over 140 airlines worldwide.

Furthermore, Japan Airlines is in the midst of a significant fleet modernization program. The airline is phasing out older models and introducing new, more efficient aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, with dozens more on order. This transition necessitates sophisticated MRO support capable of handling the latest aviation technology. The expanded partnership with HAECO ensures that JAL has access to the necessary technical skills and resources to maintain its modern fleet to the highest standards of safety and performance.

“As an airline committed to the highest standards of flight safety and overall service quality, striving to be the most preferred airline by customers worldwide, we are pleased to have a long-standing partner who can support our service.”, Takashi KOIMAI, Senior Vice President, Aircraft Maintenance Center NARITA of JAL Engineering Co., Ltd.

Conclusion: A Partnership Poised for the Future

The expanded line maintenance agreement between HAECO and Japan Airlines at Shanghai Pudong International Airport is more than just a new contract; it is a testament to a deep-seated, strategic partnership that has evolved over decades. By entrusting HAECO with advanced, non-routine maintenance tasks at a key international hub, JAL is reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and safety while optimizing its maintenance strategy. This move highlights HAECO’s position as a leading global MRO provider with the capabilities to support the world’s premier airlines.

Looking ahead, this collaboration is poised for further growth. Both companies are already exploring opportunities to extend this specialized maintenance model to other stations within JAL’s extensive network. As Japan Airlines continues to modernize its fleet and the Asia-Pacific aviation market continues its upward trajectory, the need for reliable, high-quality MRO services will only increase. This partnership serves as a powerful example of how long-term collaboration and mutual trust can drive innovation and efficiency in the ever-evolving aviation industry.

FAQ

Question: What is the main significance of the new agreement between HAECO and Japan Airlines?
Answer: The agreement is significant because it is the first time Japan Airlines has entrusted an overseas MRO provider (HAECO) with advanced, non-routine line maintenance tasks at a key international outstation, Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

Question: What kind of new services will HAECO provide?
Answer: HAECO will now provide planned, specialized maintenance tasks that go beyond routine checks, including technical inspection, lubrication, testing, and cleaning for Japan Airlines’ fleet.

Question: Why is Shanghai Pudong International Airport a strategic location for this partnership?
Answer: Shanghai Pudong is one of the world’s busiest airports for both passenger and cargo traffic, making it a critical hub for Japan Airlines. Enhanced maintenance capabilities at this location improve operational efficiency and fleet readiness.

Sources

• HAECO Press Release