This article is based on an official press release from ExecuJet Haite.

ExecuJet Haite Tianjin Secures Bonded Maintenance Status, Targeting International Fleet Efficiency

ExecuJet Haite Aviation Services China Co., Ltd. has officially obtained bonded maintenance approval for its facility at Tianjin Binhai International Airport (ZBTJ). Announced on February 2, 2026, this regulatory milestone allows the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider to import aircraft spare parts and equipment duty-free when utilized within its designated bonded area.

According to the company’s press release, this approval is designed to significantly reduce operating costs and shorten turnaround times for international clients. By leveraging the new customs status, ExecuJet Haite aims to streamline the logistics of importing critical components, a move expected to bolster its competitiveness against regional hubs like Hong Kong and Singapore.

Operational Benefits for Cross-Border Aviation

The core advantage of the bonded maintenance approval lies in the exemption from import duties for parts stored and used within the facility’s bonded zone. For business jet operators, particularly those with foreign-registered aircraft, this translates to a direct reduction in the tax burden associated with heavy maintenance visits.

In addition to cost savings, the facility anticipates a marked improvement in operational efficiency. The simplified customs procedures associated with the bonded status allow for faster access to spare parts, minimizing the downtime aircraft spend on the ground (AOG). Paul Desgrosseilliers, General Manager of ExecuJet Haite, emphasized the strategic importance of this development for the company’s diverse client base.

“This new status satisfies the demand of our international clients. While 60% of our work is for China-registered aircraft, 40% comes from a diverse international clientele. The bonded zone directly addresses their needs by significantly reducing costs and accelerating turnaround times.”

, Paul Desgrosseilliers, General Manager, ExecuJet Haite

Facility Capabilities and Reach

ExecuJet Haite operates a 10,000-square-meter facility at Tianjin Binhai International Airport, featuring 2,640 square meters of dedicated hangar space. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sichuan-based Haite Group but operates as a franchise of ExecuJet MRO Services, an entity owned by Dassault Aviation. This structure allows the facility to blend local market access with international service standards.

The facility holds Authorized Service Center (ASC) status for major OEMs including Gulfstream, Embraer, and Dassault Falcon Jet, and is certified to maintain Bombardier aircraft. Its regulatory approvals span the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), EASA, the FAA, and authorities in several offshore jurisdictions including the Cayman Islands and Bermuda.

AirPro News Analysis: The “Beijing Alternative”

The approval of bonded maintenance status for ExecuJet Haite signals a maturing of the aviation services market in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei economic triangle. Historically, international operators have often favored hubs with free-port status, such as Hong Kong, to avoid the complex taxation and customs delays associated with mainland China. By removing the “tax penalty” for foreign jets through bonded maintenance, Tianjin effectively positions itself as a cost-effective alternative to Beijing Capital Airport.

Policy-Driven Growth

This development aligns with broader trends within the Tianjin Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), which has aggressively promoted aviation MRO services. The “bonded maintenance outside comprehensive bonded zones” pilot program allows standalone facilities,like ExecuJet Haite’s hangar,to enjoy the benefits of a free trade zone without being physically located inside one, provided they meet strict customs supervision standards.

We observe that this move is likely to intensify regional competition. While Lufthansa Technik maintains a strong presence in Tianjin focusing on commercial airline support, ExecuJet Haite is solidifying its dominance in the business aviation sector. With 40% of its workload already coming from foreign-registered aircraft, the ability to offer duty-free maintenance is a critical differentiator that could draw traffic away from saturated hubs in Southern China.

Sources

• ExecuJet Haite Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Hadrian.

Hadrian Opens “Factory 3” in Mesa, Arizona, Marking $200 Million Expansion in Defense Manufacturing

Hadrian, a company specializing in software-defined manufacturing, officially inaugurated its newest facility, Factory 3 (F3), in Mesa, Arizona, on January 29, 2026. According to the company’s press release, the event marks a significant milestone in Hadrian’s mission to modernize the American aerospace and defense supply chain through automation and artificial intelligence.

The new 290,000-square-foot facility represents a capital investment of $200 million in the region. Hadrian projects that the expansion will create approximately 350 high-skilled jobs, ranging from machinists to software engineers, by early 2026. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman, and Hadrian Founder and CEO Chris Power.

Accelerating Production with “Software-Defined” Factories

Hadrian distinguishes itself from traditional legacy manufacturers by utilizing a proprietary software operating system named “Opus.” This system manages the manufacturing lifecycle, from quoting to quality inspection, allowing the company to automate complex decision-making processes. In its announcement, the company stated that this technology enables the production of high-precision components for rockets, satellites, and jets up to 10 times faster than standard industry rates.

The Mesa facility is designed for “production autonomy,” aiming for machine uptime levels of 80-90%, a figure comparable to the automotive industry and significantly higher than the typical aerospace standard of approximately 30%. This efficiency is critical to Hadrian’s broader goal of “reindustrializing America” and addressing fragilities in the defense industrial base.

“Factory 3 is not just a facility, it’s a platform for AI-enhanced production that strengthens America’s industrial base… Our investment in Arizona was made possible through collaboration with state and local officials who share Hadrian’s commitment to make manufacturing meaningful work again.”

, Chris Power, Founder & CEO of Hadrian

Strategic Growth and “Factory-as-a-Service”

The opening of F3 follows a period of rapid growth for the company. According to financial data and company reports referenced in the expansion announcement, Hadrian raised $260 million in Series C funding in July 2025 and holds a valuation of $1.6 billion. The Mesa factory will serve as a central hub for the company’s “Factory-as-a-Service” (FaaS) model.

Under this model, Hadrian dedicates specific production cells, comprising machines, robots, and software, to individual customers. This approach was highlighted by a strategic partnership announced in late 2025 with Lockheed Martin, which aims to embed Hadrian’s manufacturing capabilities directly into defense production lines for missile components.

AirPro News Analysis

The launch of Factory 3 in Mesa underscores a critical shift in the aerospace supply chain: the move from artisanal, high-touch machining to scalable, software-driven production. For decades, the U.S. defense industrial base has struggled with long lead times and a shrinking workforce. Hadrian’s ability to secure high-profile contracts with prime contractors like Lockheed Martin suggests that the “Silicon Valley approach” to manufacturing, prioritizing iteration speed and software integration, is gaining serious traction among legacy defense giants. If the claimed 80-90% uptime is achieved at scale in Mesa, it could set a new benchmark for efficiency in a sector historically plagued by delays.

Regional Economic Impact

Mesa, Arizona, continues to solidify its reputation as a premier aerospace and defense hub. The region is already home to major operations for Boeing and other key suppliers. Governor Katie Hobbs emphasized the economic benefits of Hadrian’s arrival during the event.

“Hadrian’s investment in Mesa is a win for Arizona and America. By creating hundreds of family-sustaining jobs… this cutting-edge facility further positions Arizona at the forefront of America’s high-tech manufacturing resurgence.”

, Katie Hobbs, Governor of Arizona

To support the influx of high-tech manufacturing roles, Hadrian is leveraging Arizona’s workforce development ecosystem. The company noted active partnerships with Maricopa Community Colleges and Arizona State University (ASU) to train workers in advanced manufacturing and robotics, ensuring a steady talent pipeline for the new factory floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Hadrian’s new factory located?

Factory 3 (F3) is located in Mesa, Arizona, near the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

What is “Opus”?

Opus is Hadrian’s proprietary operating system that automates the manufacturing process, including quoting, programming, and machining, to increase speed and efficiency.

How many jobs will the new facility create?

The facility is projected to create over 350 jobs, including roles for machinists, robotics technicians, and software engineers.

What is the “Factory-as-a-Service” model?

This business model involves dedicating entire production cells (machines and software) to specific customers to speed up the delivery of critical parts, rather than fulfilling individual orders on a piecemeal basis.

Sources

• PR Newswire (Hadrian)
• Arizona Commerce Authority
• Lockheed Martin

Collins Aerospace Secures 5-Year Contract Extension with Singapore Airlines

Collins Aerospace, a business unit of RTX, has announced a significant five-year extension of its FlightSense™ service agreement with Singapore Airlines (SIA). According to the company’s official statement released on February 3, 2026, the deal covers a fleet of 27 Boeing 777 aircraft. For the first time, this agreement includes the carrier’s fleet of five Boeing 777F freighters, signaling a strategic move to bolster the reliability of SIA’s cargo operations alongside its passenger services.

The agreement ensures continued maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) support for the airline. By integrating the Ascentia® prognostics and health management platform, Collins Aerospace aims to shift maintenance strategies from reactive to predictive, helping the airline minimize delays and optimize fleet availability.

Expanding Support to Cargo Operations

While Collins Aerospace has supported Singapore Airlines’ Boeing 777 fleet since 2008, this extension marks a notable expansion in scope. The contract now covers 22 Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft and adds five Boeing 777F freighters to the program. The inclusion of the freighter fleet highlights the growing importance of cargo reliability in the airline’s global network.

Under the terms of the FlightSense™ program, Collins Aerospace provides guaranteed parts availability and lifecycle support. This model is designed to transfer the risk of inventory management and component failure from the airline to the service provider. Ryan Hudson, Vice President of Aftermarket for Power & Controls at Collins Aerospace, emphasized the focus on operational efficiency in a statement regarding the deal.

“This extension reflects our longstanding relationship with Singapore Airlines and their trust in our ability to deliver tailored service solutions that enhance operational efficiency. By including the Boeing 777F fleet, we are ensuring that their cargo operations receive the same high level of support and reliability as their passenger fleet.”

, Ryan Hudson, VP of Aftermarket, Power & Controls at Collins Aerospace

Predictive Technology and Fleet Reliability

A central component of this contract extension is the utilization of the Ascentia® platform. This cloud-based technology analyzes data from aircraft sensors to predict component failures before they result in operational disruptions. According to data provided by Collins Aerospace, the FlightSense™ program has historically contributed to a 20% decrease in unscheduled removals for supported components across global Boeing 777 fleets.

The Ascentia® system employs advanced analytics, including a “Repeaters” application that uses natural language processing to scan maintenance logs. This allows engineering teams to identify chronic, recurring issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. By predicting when a part is likely to fail, the airline can schedule replacements during planned downtime, thereby preventing “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) situations that cause costly delays.

AirPro News Analysis

We view this extension as a critical step for Singapore Airlines as it manages the lifecycle of its Boeing 777-300ER fleet. With these aircraft averaging between 13 and 16 years of age, the maintenance burden naturally increases. The shift toward predictive maintenance via Ascentia® is likely a strategic necessity to maintain the high on-time performance standards SIA is known for.

Furthermore, the inclusion of the freighter fleet underscores the economic vital signs of the region. High-yield global trade routes require maximum uptime for cargo aircraft. By bringing the 777Fs under the same predictive maintenance umbrella as the passenger fleet, Singapore Airlines is effectively standardizing its maintenance protocols to protect revenue streams in both passenger and logistics sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the new contract?

The agreement is a five-year extension of the existing partnership.

Which aircraft are covered under this deal?

The contract covers 27 aircraft in total: 22 Boeing 777-300ER passenger jets and 5 Boeing 777F freighters.

What is FlightSense™?

FlightSense™ is a flexible support program from Collins Aerospace that provides MRO services and guaranteed parts availability, aiming to reduce financial risk for airlines.

How long have the two companies been partners?

Collins Aerospace and Singapore Airlines have collaborated on the FlightSense program for the Boeing 777 fleet since 2008.

Sources

• PR Newswire (Collins Aerospace)