MRO & Manufacturing
Liebherr-Aerospace Expands MRO in Shanghai with Sustainable Coating
Liebherr-Aerospace expands its Shanghai facility with a REACH-compliant coating process for aircraft heat transfer equipment, approved by CAAC, EASA, and FAA.
This article is based on an official press release from Liebherr-Aerospace.
Liebherr-Aerospace Expands MRO Footprint in China with Sustainable Coating Technology
On May 11, 2026, Liebherr-Aerospace announced a major expansion of its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities at its Shanghai facility. According to the company’s press release, this development centers on a newly dedicated 800-square-meter area designed specifically for the testing, re-coring, and maintenance of aircraft heat transfer equipment.
A key highlight of this expansion is the introduction of a REACH-compliant Trivalent Chromium System (TCS) and Post Application Conversion Sealer (PACS) coating process. Liebherr states it is the first MRO provider to offer this environmentally friendly coating service to airline customers within China, marking a significant step forward in regional aviation sustainability.
By localizing these advanced chemical and mechanical processes, Liebherr aims to reduce turnaround times and eliminate the carbon footprint associated with shipping parts overseas. This move aligns with broader industry trends prioritizing supply chain resilience and environmental responsibility.
Technical Advancements and Environmental Compliance
The newly introduced TCS and PACS processes represent a shift away from legacy chromium-based treatments, which have historically posed severe environmental and health risks. As detailed in the company’s announcement, the TCS enhances metal corrosion resistance and paint adhesion, while the PACS seals and reinforces the protective layer to ensure long-term durability.
Crucially, this new process complies with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals), a stringent European Union regulatory framework designed to protect human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals. Prior to its industrialization in Shanghai, the coating process underwent extensive validation at Liebherr’s Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) site in Toulouse, France.
Regulatory Approvals
Ensuring that localized MRO services meet global safety standards is paramount for aviation suppliers. The press release confirms that the new coating process has secured critical certifications from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Furthermore, the process holds global recognition from both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Strategic Implications for the Asian Market
The 800-square-meter expansion allows Liebherr to perform all upcoming maintenance work for heat transfer equipment entirely in-house in Shanghai. This localization strategy directly benefits Chinese airlines operating Airbus, Boeing, and COMAC fleets by mitigating international transportation delays and reducing reliance on European or American facilities for specialized chemical treatments.
Leadership Perspective
The company views this milestone as a testament to its cross-border collaboration and its commitment to future-proofing its services for the Asian market.
“This milestone highlights the strong collaboration between our teams in China and our OEM organization. By introducing the REACH-compliant TCS/PACS coating process, we are strengthening the sustainability of our services while maintaining the highest technical standards. Ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks also prepares our customers in China for future environmental requirements.”
, Eric Thévenot, General Manager, Customer Services & MRO, Liebherr China Co., Ltd.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that Liebherr-Aerospace’s Shanghai expansion is a calculated component of a much larger, multi-year global MRO strategy designed to capture surging post-pandemic aviation demand. Industry data indicates that earlier in 2026, Liebherr successfully industrialized this exact TCS/PACS process at its MRO site in Singapore.
The concurrent expansion of facilities in Saline (Michigan, USA), Lindenberg (Germany), Guaratinguetá (Brazil), and the opening of a new service center in Dubai indicate a clear industry shift toward localized, OEM-quality maintenance. For the rapidly growing Chinese commercial aviation market, having in-country access to REACH-compliant, CAAC-approved MRO services not only streamlines daily operations but also insulates regional supply chains against global logistical disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TCS/PACS process?
TCS (Trivalent Chromium System) and PACS (Post Application Conversion Sealer) form an environmentally friendly, REACH-compliant coating process used to protect aircraft heat transfer equipment from corrosion, replacing highly toxic legacy chromium-based treatments.
Where is Liebherr’s new MRO expansion located?
The 800-square-meter expansion dedicated to heat transfer equipment maintenance is located at Liebherr’s existing facility in Shanghai, China.
Which regulatory bodies have approved this new process?
The new coating process has been approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Sources
Photo Credit: Liebherr-Aerospace