The commercial aerospace business of ST Engineering and SF Airlines have officially opened a new airframe MRO facility in Ezhou, Hubei, developed through their joint venture, ST Engineering Aerospace (HuBei) Aviation Services.<\/p>\n
Formed in 2023, the joint venture has been focused on designing and planning the facility to deliver high-quality maintenance services to SF Airlines as well as global third-party customers.<\/p>\n
Located at Ezhou Huahu International Airport \u2013 China\u2019s first dedicated cargo airport<\/a> \u2013 the greenfield site will initially comprise two hangars, with potential expansion to six as market demand increases. The first hangar will induct its inaugural aircraft on August 12, 2025, while the second is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2027. Together, they will be able to handle up to four widebody or eight narrowbody aircraft simultaneously.<\/p>\n The facility will provide both line and heavy maintenance for cargo and passenger aircraft, supporting SF Airlines \u2013 China\u2019s largest freighter carrier \u2013 and meeting the growing needs of airlines operating in and out of the region.<\/p>\n Jeffrey Lam, president of commercial aerospace at ST Engineering, said: \u201cWith China leading in global aviation growth, Ezhou\u2019s emergence as a logistics and aviation hub makes it a strategic location from which to serve freight and airline operators. Our new facility in Ezhou is well positioned to meet the rising MRO needs of operators in China and across the region.\u201d<\/p>\n Li Sheng, chairman of SF Airlines, added: \u201cThe global aviation market continues to recover, driving strong demand for aircraft maintenance services. As Hubei province\u2019s aviation industry cluster rapidly takes shape, the establishment of the airframe MRO facility in Ezhou presents broad development prospects. With strong support from all sectors, the new facility will fully leverage industrial chain synergies to build a competitive maintenance brand. It will consistently provide professional, efficient and reliable MRO services to customers while contributing to the high-quality development of the aviation industry.\u201d<\/p>\n Currently employing about 200 staff, the site is expected to create up to 700 high-value jobs once both hangars are operational. Recruitment and training of skilled technicians will be a priority, alongside the adoption of smart technologies such as robotics and digital systems to ensure efficient operations.<\/p>\n READ MORE NEWS: Etihad Airways and China\u2019s SF Airlines agree deal to integrate airfreight services<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n