MRO & Manufacturing
Liebherr and HAECO Complete First COMAC C909 Landing Gear Overhaul
Liebherr and HAECO finalized the first major landing gear overhaul for the COMAC C909, creating a localized maintenance infrastructure in China.
This article is based on an official press release from Liebherr.
On May 20, 2026, Liebherr-Aerospace and HAECO Landing Gear Services announced the successful completion of the world’s first major landing gear overhaul for the COMAC C909 regional jet. Formerly known as the ARJ21 or “Soaring Phoenix,” the aircraft represents a major pillar of China’s domestic Commercial-Aircraft strategy.
According to the official press release, this milestone marks a significant advancement in the region’s maintenance ecosystem. By combining Liebherr’s Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs) expertise with HAECO’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, the Partnerships has established a localized, full-lifecycle maintenance infrastructure for China’s first self-developed regional jet.
We note that this development is poised to directly benefit operators in both China and rapidly growing Southeast Asian markets. By localizing heavy maintenance, the joint effort aims to reduce turnaround times and maximize fleet availability for Airlines operating the C909.
A Milestone in Localized Maintenance
The Overhaul Process
The COMAC C909 is a 78–90 seat regional jet manufactured by the Chinese state-owned aerospace company COMAC. The landing gear for the aircraft was originally developed and manufactured by Liebherr-Aerospace. Because the landing gear is a safety-critical subsystem, the press release notes that its overhaul requires strict adherence to aviation maintenance procedures, dimensional tolerances, and certified inspection standards.
The overhaul process involved a comprehensive inspection, disassembly, component evaluation, replacement of wear-sensitive parts, reassembly, and final acceptance testing. According to Liebherr, initial preparation and process optimization began in 2025, culminating in final quality acceptance testing and official delivery in May 2026.
Division of Responsibilities
The project highlights a highly integrated collaboration between the OEM and the MRO provider. Liebherr-Aerospace provided technical supervision, process validation, and quality assurance throughout the entire procedure to guarantee compliance with safety and quality standards. Their direct involvement ensured that the overhaul benefited from the original product engineering expertise.
HAECO Landing Gear Services managed the physical overhaul execution, maintenance operations, and workshop integration activities.
“This collaboration represents a significant step forward for China’s civil aviation industry. By combining Liebherr’s OEM technical DNA with HAECO’s MRO excellence, we have not only restored [the landing gear but also established a localized maintenance capability]…”
Expanding a Long-Standing Partnership
Liebherr-Aerospace and HAECO have a long-standing relationship in the Asian market. Since 2017, the two companies have partnered to provide landing gear maintenance for Embraer E-Jet E1 operators in mainland China.
In November 2024, the partners celebrated the delivery of their 100th maintained Embraer E190 landing gear at HAECO’s Xiamen facility. At that time, Liebherr announced its commitment to supporting HAECO in expanding its overhaul services to include the COMAC C909. This alliance was further solidified in July 2025, when HAECO and Liebherr-Aerospace signed a comprehensive component maintenance agreement to provide repair and overhaul services for the hydraulic components of both the COMAC C909 and the larger C919 aircraft.
“Our partnership with Liebherr-Aerospace has been instrumental in enhancing our service offerings and meeting the growing demands of our customers in the Chinese Mainland. We are eager to extend our expertise to the C909 as we adapt to the evolving market.”
AirPro News analysis
We view this successful overhaul as a strategic victory for China’s broader aerospace ambitions. The ability to maintain and overhaul indigenous aircraft locally is just as important as manufacturing them. Historically, heavy maintenance for specialized aircraft components often required shipping parts overseas, leading to long turnaround times and increased costs.
Furthermore, the C909 is increasingly being adopted beyond China, reaching rapidly growing Southeast Asian aviation markets such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Having a certified, OEM-backed overhaul facility in the region ensures these operators have access to efficient, high-quality maintenance, which is critical for keeping regional fleets operational and profitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the COMAC C909?
The COMAC C909 is a 78–90 seat regional jet manufactured by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). It was formerly designated as the ARJ21, which translates to “Soaring Phoenix.”
Why is this landing gear overhaul significant?
It is the world’s first major landing gear overhaul for the C909 platform. It proves that a localized, OEM-backed maintenance infrastructure has been successfully established in China, reducing the need to ship heavy components overseas for repair.
Sources
Photo Credit: Liebherr
MRO & Manufacturing
JCB Aero Gains Part 145 Approval for Boeing 737 Family
JCB Aero receives Part 145 approval for Boeing 737 base and line maintenance, expanding beyond its Airbus MRO operations in Auch, France.
JCB Aero has secured Part 145 maintenance approval to perform base and line maintenance on the Boeing 737 aircraft family, expanding the French facility’s capabilities beyond its established Airbus operations.
The approval, received in August 2026 and announced by the company on September 3, 2026, covers the Boeing 737-600, Boeing 737-700, Boeing 737-800, and Boeing 737-900 variants. Located in Auch, near Toulouse, the subsidiary of the AMAC Aerospace Group initially launched its MRO operations in October 2024 with a focus on Airbus airframes.
Expanding MRO capabilities in Auch
The addition of Boeing 737 maintenance authorization allows JCB Aero to capture a broader segment of the narrowbody market. The company stated it has already begun issuing quotations for Boeing operators and expects to induct the first 737 airframes into its hangar in the coming months.
This expansion follows a period of high utilization for the Auch facility. Earlier in 2026, AMAC Aerospace reported full hangar capacity at the site, driven by maintenance and modification projects on Airbus Corporate Jets, specifically the ACJ318 and ACJ319 platforms.
Management perspective on the Boeing approval
The certification aligns with recent leadership transitions at the company, including the March 2026 appointment of Sébastien Kubler as Chief Operating Officer. Kubler previously served as the technical director of production and engineering for the firm.
In a statement regarding the new certification, Kubler highlighted the strategic value of the dual-manufacturer capability:
“Receiving this Boeing approval marks an important milestone in the development of JCB Aero’s MRO activities. Adding the Boeing 737 family to our existing Airbus capabilities enables us to serve a wider range of customers and further strengthens our position as a flexible and responsive MRO partner. This achievement is also a great recognition of the commitment and expertise of our teams.”
AirPro News analysis
Securing Part 145 approval for the Boeing 737 family represents a logical progression for JCB Aero as it matures its MRO footprint in southern France. By diversifying its capabilities to include both major narrowbody platforms, the facility reduces its exposure to single-manufacturer fleet dynamics. We view this dual-platform capability as a standard requirement for independent MRO providers seeking to maximize hangar utilization and attract mixed-fleet operators.
Sources: JCB Aero, AMAC Aerospace
Photo Credit: JCB Aero
MRO & Manufacturing
AnimaWings Selects SAMCO for A220 Base Maintenance
AnimaWings signs SAMCO as A220 base maintenance provider and inducts another A220-300 via Maastricht Aachen Airport.
Romanian operator AnimaWings has inducted another Airbus A220-300 into its growing fleet following the completion of livery and engineering work by SAMCO Aircraft Maintenance and MAAS Aviation. The aircraft’s release to service coincides with a formal agreement signed on September 3, 2026, designating SAMCO as the base maintenance provider for the airline’s A220 operations.
The preparation of the new narrowbody aircraft took place at Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) in the Netherlands. According to a company statement, SAMCO partnered with neighboring facility MAAS Aviation to provide an integrated induction solution for the carrier.
Integrated maintenance and livery operations
The induction process required coordination between specialized aviation service providers at the Dutch airport. MAAS Aviation completed the aircraft painting and livery application, while SAMCO managed the regulatory and engineering requirements necessary for commercial operations.
SAMCO utilized its European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 21 approval to manage the workscope preparation and design elements of the induction. Following the physical painting process, the maintenance provider officially released the aircraft into commercial service under its Part 145 certification. In its announcement, SAMCO stated the co-located collaboration ensured a “smooth transition from the paint shop to the skies.”
AnimaWings fleet expansion and maintenance strategy
The recent aircraft delivery aligns with a broader operational partnership between the Romanian carrier and the Dutch maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider. AviTrader reported that on September 3, 2026, AnimaWings officially selected SAMCO to provide tailored base maintenance services for its expanding Airbus A220 fleet to ensure long-term operational availability and reliability.
AnimaWings is currently executing a fleet modernization strategy with a stated target of operating 18 aircraft by the end of 2027. The airline has centered this growth on the Airbus A220-300. According to Skies Mag, the aircraft type delivers a 25% reduction in fuel burn and carbon dioxide emissions per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft, supporting the carrier’s efficiency targets.
AirPro News analysis
We view the co-location of specialized aviation services at regional hubs like Maastricht Aachen Airport as a significant advantage for growing carriers. By utilizing adjacent facilities for painting and engineering release, operators can minimize non-revenue repositioning flights and reduce overall aircraft downtime. For a carrier like AnimaWings scaling rapidly toward an 18-aircraft fleet, securing a dedicated base maintenance provider that can also manage induction workflows provides critical operational stability during a period of high growth.
Sources: SAMCO Aircraft Maintenance
Photo Credit: AnimaWings
MRO & Manufacturing
RECARO Aircraft Seating Launches R4 Premium Class Seat
RECARO officially introduced the R4 premium seat on Aug 25, 2026, with EASA certification for the Boeing 787.
RECARO Aircraft Seating officially introduced the R4 premium class seat on August 25, 2026, marking the successor to its decade-old PL3530 model. Initial deliveries of the new seating system began in June 2026, with entry into commercial service expected later in the year.
In a press release issued from its Schwaebisch Hall, Germany headquarters, the manufacturer detailed the R4’s focus on enhanced ergonomics, privacy, and accessibility. The seat is currently certified under European Technical Standard Orders (ETSO) by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for installation on the Boeing 787, with additional airframe certifications in progress.
Design and passenger experience upgrades
The R4 introduces several modern amenities designed to address evolving passenger expectations in widebody premium cabins. Key features include a six-way adjustable headrest with integrated neck support, side ambient lighting, and privacy wings equipped with an integrated reading light. For in-flight entertainment, the seat accommodates a 16-inch integrated monitor.
The design also incorporates functional workspace and connectivity improvements. Passengers have access to an extra-wide single-plate tray table featuring a soft open and close mechanism, an integrated Personal Electronic Device (PED) holder, and customizable power options. The seat features a side console with dedicated access designed specifically for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM).
Strategic positioning and certification
The launch of the R4 builds upon the foundation of the PL3530, which RECARO originally introduced to the market in 2015. By securing initial ETSO certification for the Boeing 787, RECARO positions the R4 to capture widebody premium economy and regional business class retrofit and line-fit opportunities.
Mark Hiller, CEO and Shareholder of RECARO Aircraft Seating and CEO of RECARO Holding, highlighted the strategic importance of the new product line.
“We are proud to introduce the R4, the latest addition to our Premium Class portfolio. Building on the success of the PL3530, the R4 reflects our commitment to combining comfort, ergonomics, and premium features in a seating solution designed to meet the evolving expectations of both airlines and passengers.”
AirPro News analysis
The introduction of the R4 underscores a broader industry trend where seat manufacturers are elevating premium economy products to mirror the business class standards of previous decades. By integrating features like 16-inch monitors and enhanced privacy wings, we see RECARO directly targeting airlines looking to monetize the growing demand for premium leisure travel. The specific inclusion of PRM-accessible consoles also indicates a proactive approach to upcoming accessibility mandates in major aviation markets. Securing EASA certification for the Boeing 787 first is a logical entry point, given the aircraft’s heavy utilization on long-haul routes where premium seating demand is highest.
Sources: RECARO Aircraft Seating
Photo Credit: RECARO Aircraft Seating
-
UAV & Drones7 days agoFAA Completes First Remotely Piloted eVTOL Cargo Flight
-
Airlines Strategy4 days agoSouthwest Airlines to Launch First Airport Lounges in 2027
-
Technology & Innovation4 days agoArcher Aviation Launches No Roads eVTOL Tour Ahead of LA28
-
UAV & Drones4 days agoNAVAIR Issues RFI for Carrier-Based Autonomous Combat Drone
-
Space & Satellites4 days agoNASA Awards Blue Origin $700M Mars Telecommunications Contract