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HAECO

HAECO, officially the Aircraft Engineering Company Limited, is an independent global provider of high-quality maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the aviation industry. Founded in November 1950 through the merger of the Pacific Air Motive and Supply Company and the Jersey Aircraft Maintenance Company in , it has grown into a world-class group with a focus on safety and excellence. Headquartered at and wholly owned by Pacific Limited since 2018, HAECO delivers a broad spectrum of services including and line maintenance, engine support, component overhaul, services, technical training, and inventory management. The company's operations span multiple continents, with key facilities in Hong Kong, Xiamen, Shanghai, Jinjiang, Chengdu, and Jinan in China; Amsterdam and London in Europe; and Dallas (for engine support) in North America following the sale of its HAECO Americas airframe MRO operations to AAR Corp. in November 2025, enabling round-the-clock support for airlines worldwide. Over its seven decades of history, HAECO has achieved significant milestones, such as constructing Asia's largest aircraft maintenance hangar in 1968, relocating to a state-of-the-art facility at Hong Kong International Airport in 1998, and acquiring TIMCO Aviation Services in 2014 to expand its North American presence. Committed to ethical standards, HAECO serves major commercial and government operators and contributes to the safety of global air travel.

History

Founding and Early Development

The Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited (HAECO) was established on November 1, 1950, through the merger of Swire's Pacific Air Maintenance & Supply Company (PAMAS) and Jardine Air Maintenance Company (JAMCo), two post-World War II ventures aimed at supporting Hong Kong's nascent aviation sector. This consolidation created a unified entity to provide essential services amid the region's recovery from wartime devastation and the Korean War's logistical demands. In its early years, HAECO operated from a modest at , serving as the sole dedicated maintenance facility in and focusing on repairing and overhauling post-war for airlines such as and regional carriers. With limited resources, including a small of around 300-350 staff drawn from European engineers and local technicians, the company handled basic tasks like propeller and repairs for piston-engine , adapting to the constraints of Kai Tak's rudimentary infrastructure. During the 1950s and 1960s, HAECO experienced significant growth, tripling its turnover and workforce as Hong Kong's sector expanded rapidly, driven by increasing international air traffic and military contracts during the . accounts from this era, including those of engineers, highlight the company's role in maintaining diverse aircraft like RAF Beverlys and Bearcat fighters at Kai Tak, reflecting the airport's evolution from a wartime relic to a bustling hub and fostering technical exchanges among multinational teams. By the mid-1960s, HAECO had introduced turboprop overhauls, built Hong Kong's first test bed, and equipped itself to service jet airliners such as the 880M, while listing on the in 1965 to fund further adaptations. HAECO's foundational efforts positioned it as a pivotal player in the regional , repair, and overhaul (MRO) industry during the mid-20th century, underpinning Kong's emergence as an gateway and contributing to the territory's legacy, which reached its centennial in 2025. This early development at Kai Tak laid the groundwork for HAECO's operations until the airport's closure in 1998 and the shift to .

Global Expansion and Key Milestones

During the 1970s and 1980s, HAECO expanded its capabilities amid Hong Kong's growing role as an hub, establishing itself as a key provider of services and forming foundational that supported regional fleet growth. By the , the company accelerated its international presence through strategic joint ventures, including the launch of TAECO (now HAECO ) in 1993 for airframe maintenance and the establishment of Hong Kong Aero Services Limited (HAESL) in 1997, a 50-50 with Rolls-Royce focused on engine overhauls. These initiatives marked HAECO's shift from local operations to a broader Asian network, enhancing its expertise in widebody and servicing. A pivotal moment came in 1998 when HAECO relocated its primary operations to a new HK$1.4 billion facility at on island, involving the transfer of 15,200 tonnes of equipment in a single night to align with the airport's opening. This move tripled HAECO's capacity and positioned it to handle increased demand from global carriers, solidifying its infrastructure for large-scale maintenance. In 1999, HAECO further expanded through the completion of TAECO's Phase 2 facility in and ongoing development of HAESL's engine overhaul capabilities, enabling specialized support for aircraft among other types. Entering the 2000s, HAECO deepened its footprint in Mainland China to capitalize on the region's aviation boom, establishing airframe and engine maintenance facilities in Xiamen and extending line maintenance services to major airports including Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG and SHA), Chengdu, Tianjin (TSN), Nanjing (NKG), Chongqing (CKG), and others. The Xiamen facility, operational since the early 1990s, saw significant upgrades, with HAECO Xiamen becoming a hub for comprehensive MRO services by 2010. This expansion transformed HAECO into a vital partner for international airlines operating in China, emphasizing efficiency and regulatory compliance across borders. Beyond Asia, HAECO extended operations to Singapore and Bahrain in the 2000s, providing additional MRO capabilities in those regions. In 2014, HAECO acquired TIMCO Aviation Services, expanding its North American presence with heavy maintenance facilities in the United States, including . In the 2020s, it opened an aircraft painting facility in . In 2024, HAECO achieved a major engineering feat with the roof closure of the world's largest single-span hangar at Xiang'an International Airport, a 269.5-meter-wide structure weighing 11,393 tonnes lifted using 54 hydraulic machines, with steel completion targeted for July and full operations slated for 2026. This Platinum-certified facility, spanning 537,300 square meters, underscores HAECO's commitment to sustainable, large-scale infrastructure to meet global demand for widebody maintenance. Marking its 75th anniversary in 2025 alongside Hong Kong's centennial of civil aviation, HAECO celebrated enduring contributions to the industry through events honoring its evolution from Kai Tak origins to a global MRO leader. That year, the company reached the milestone of its 500th aircraft maintenance input for All Nippon Airways (ANA) at the Xiamen facility, highlighting a long-term partnership and expertise in Boeing and Airbus fleets. In 2023, HAESL recorded an annual throughput of 301 shop visits, a record reflecting over 26 years of growth in engine repair capabilities. In November 2025, HAECO sold its HAECO Americas subsidiary to AAR Corp. for US$78 million, allowing focus on core operations while retaining global customer support. Through these developments, HAECO has emerged as one of the world's largest independent MRO providers, with innovations in protocols, tools, and eco-friendly practices influencing standards and supporting over 100 customers across six continents.

Operations

Core Services and Capabilities

HAECO provides a comprehensive suite of , repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, specializing in , line, and component solutions for operators worldwide. Its services encompass heavy checks ranging from A- to D-checks, intermediate visits, and heavy visits, tailored to wide-body and such as , 787, and models. These services include structural modifications, cabin reconfigurations, and aircraft painting, supported by engineering design and certification approvals from authorities like the (CAAC) and the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (HKCAD). In line services, HAECO delivers 24/7 aircraft-on-ground (AOG) support, routine transit checks, full A-checks, and cabin interior management to ensure and for over 140 airlines. These offerings extend to engine on-wing services and ramp handling, adhering to approvals from global regulators in the , , , and . Facilities in and primarily support these line operations, handling approximately 200,000 flight movements annually. HAECO's component overhaul capabilities cover , composites, engines, and , utilizing advanced materials for specialized repairs. services include full inspection, repair, modification, and overhaul for models like the , 747, 767, 777, 787, A320, and E190/E195, with exchange and leasing options available. Composite repairs address structural components using purpose-built facilities, while engine overhauls focus on , 800, and XWB series through dedicated testing and repair processes. solutions integrate repair management for airframe-related parts, enhancing longevity and performance. The company's Inventory Technical Management (ITM) streamlines parts supply and logistics by managing line replaceable units (LRUs) for airframes, engines, units, , and cargo systems across all major commercial types. This includes pooling, warehousing, component , and AOG support from global suppliers, with regulatory approvals ensuring seamless trading and repair management. HAECO advances innovative MRO solutions through digital IT upgrades and strategic partnerships, such as its 2022 memorandum of understanding with to co-develop maintenance systems, digital platforms, and after-sales services for electric vertical () like the EH216-S. These efforts incorporate paperless systems and robotic warehousing to boost and . The company upholds excellence by contributing to global MRO standards, exemplified by completing its 500th input for (ANA) in 2025, reflecting high-throughput reliability and adherence to international quality benchmarks.

Facilities and Subsidiaries

HAECO's primary operational base is HAECO , located at , where it handles , line , and (AOG) recovery services. This facility serves as the group's and supports a wide range of activities for and private . In , HAECO Xiamen operates a state-of-the-art facility at , with a major expansion at the new Xiamen Xiang'an International Airport featuring the world's largest single-span , completed in roof closure in April 2024 and scheduled for full operations in 2026. This site focuses on heavy , component services, and , covering an area of 537,300 square meters. The HAECO Group includes several specialized subsidiaries that provide targeted maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services globally. HAECO Component Overhaul, based in Hong Kong and Xiamen, offers repair and overhaul solutions for aircraft components, including avionics, hydraulics, and pneumatics. HAECO Landing Gear Services, a joint venture in Xiamen involving HAECO, HAECO Xiamen, Xiamen Aviation Industry, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines, and Japan Airlines, specializes in inspection, repair, overhaul, and leasing of landing gear systems. HAECO Composite Services, located in Jinjiang, China, performs repairs on aerostructures such as engine nacelles, flight control surfaces, and radomes for various aircraft types. HAECO ITM provides inventory technical management, including supply chain optimization, component pooling, repair management, and logistics support in partnership with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). HAESL, a 50-50 joint venture between HAECO and Rolls-Royce established in 1997, focuses on overhaul, repair, and modification of Rolls-Royce Trent engines, with an annual throughput exceeding 250 engines at its Hong Kong facility. HAECO Engine Services (Xiamen) handles overhaul and repair of GE90 engines, complementing the group's engine MRO capabilities. Additional facilities extend HAECO's presence across and . In , operations include STAECO in for airframe and parts manufacturing at , SMECO in for line and airframe , and HAECO Shanghai for line supporting over 40 flights daily across three airports. In , HAECO Engine Support provides 24/7 on-wing and off-wing services from locations in and . In , HAECO opened a new Engine Support facility in in February 2025, spanning 290,000 square feet (approximately 27,000 square meters) with over 36 bays. The group employs approximately 14,400 staff across 15 operating companies worldwide as of November 2025. In a significant 2025 development, HAECO sold its HAECO Americas subsidiary, which operated heavy maintenance facilities in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Greensboro, North Carolina, to AAR Corp. for $78 million in cash on November 3, 2025, concluding its North American heavy maintenance operations while securing approximately $850 million in multi-year customer contracts.

Ownership and Leadership

Ownership Structure

HAECO is a wholly-owned of Swire Pacific Limited, a position solidified through progressive share acquisitions beginning in 1975 when Swire Pacific increased its stake to 51%, and completed in 2018 when it delisted HAECO from the by acquiring the remaining minority shares for approximately HK$3 billion (US$382 million). As part of the broader Swire Group—a multinational conglomerate with significant interests in aviation, property, and beverages—HAECO benefits from strategic alignment in the aviation sector, where Swire Group's oversight influences long-term decisions such as investments in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities. In November 2025, HAECO divested its HAECO Americas subsidiary to AAR Corp. for US$78 million in an all-cash transaction, which included the transfer of heavy maintenance facilities in Greensboro, North Carolina, and Lake City, Florida, along with approximately 1,200 employees and multi-year customer contracts valued at over US$850 million. This divestiture supports HAECO's emphasis on its core Asia-Pacific operations while maintaining its position as a global MRO leader. HAECO operates as a private entity within the Pacific structure, with no independent public listing, allowing operational independence in pursuing MRO market leadership through specialized services in maintenance, components, and interiors. The arrangement enables focused growth in high-demand regions without the constraints of public market reporting, underscoring its strategic role in Swire's portfolio.

Executive Leadership

HAECO's executive leadership, as part of the Pacific group, comprises seasoned professionals with deep expertise in and MRO operations, guiding the company's global strategy toward enhanced efficiency, sustainability, and . The group-level team emphasizes collaborative oversight of commercial, financial, and operational functions to support expansions in and beyond. Richard Sell serves as of the HAECO Group, appointed effective July 1, 2023, succeeding Frank Walschot. With over 20 years in the industry, including prior roles as CEO of Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Limited (HAESL) and various leadership positions at and Pacific across , , and , Sell focuses on driving enterprise-wide operations, safety, and quality amid ongoing facility expansions such as the new Xiamen base. Gerald Steinhoff, appointed Chief Commercial Officer in January 2023, oversees global sales, customer partnerships, market development, and commercial strategies for HAECO's MRO services. Bringing extensive experience from roles at AG, GmbH, and as Managing Director of the HÜBNER Group, Steinhoff plays a key role in fostering innovations in MRO IT systems and sustainable practices to strengthen HAECO's competitive position. In a significant 2024 leadership transition announced in August and effective September 1, HAECO restructured its airframe services division to bolster safety, quality management, and operational integration, particularly supporting growth initiatives like the Xiamen facility. Ben Scheidel was appointed Group Director of Airframe Services, succeeding his prior role as CEO of HAECO , where he had driven efficiency enhancements since 2021; his new position focuses on global airframe MRO coordination. Concurrently, Peter Murton succeeded Scheidel as CEO of HAECO , having served as Executive General Manager of Operations there since May 2023; Murton, with prior experience at HAECO and other aviation firms, prioritizes operational efficiency at the Hong Kong headquarters, which handles over 110,000 annual flight movements. The broader leadership team, including Group Director Corporate Development Summit Chan (since 2019), Group Director Finance Roy Shearer (since 2021), Group Director Components & Engine Services Sandra Nieuwenhuijzen (since 2023), and Group Director Human Resources Gray Zhang, underscores HAECO's commitment to expertise and forward-looking initiatives. These leaders collectively advance innovations such as drone-based inspections, Platinum-certified sustainable facilities, and advanced MRO IT solutions to position HAECO as a pioneer in environmentally responsible maintenance.

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