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.

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.

Located at Ezhou Huahu International Airport – China’s first dedicated cargo airport – 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.

The facility will provide both line and heavy maintenance for cargo and passenger aircraft, supporting SF Airlines – China’s largest freighter carrier – and meeting the growing needs of airlines operating in and out of the region.

Jeffrey Lam, president of commercial aerospace at ST Engineering, said: “With China leading in global aviation growth, Ezhou’s 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.”

Li Sheng, chairman of SF Airlines, added: “The global aviation market continues to recover, driving strong demand for aircraft maintenance services. As Hubei province’s 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.”

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.

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