ST Engineering’s Commercial Aerospace business and SF Airlines have officially launched a new airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Ezhou, Hubei, China, through their joint venture, ST Engineering Aerospace (HuBei) Aviation Services. Formed in 2023, the joint venture has focused on planning and designing the facility to deliver high-quality MRO services to SF Airlines as well as third-party operators worldwide.
Located within Ezhou Huahu International Airport – China’s first dedicated cargo airport with extensive domestic and international links – the facility has been purpose-built to provide both line and heavy maintenance for cargo and passenger aircraft. It initially comprises two hangars, with scope to add four more in response to rising market demand. The first hangar will welcome its inaugural aircraft on August 12, 2025, while the second is due for completion in the second half of 2027. Together, the initial two hangars will be capable of accommodating up to four wide-body or eight narrow-body aircraft at the same time.
The new operation will play a vital role in supporting SF Airlines, China’s largest freighter airline by fleet size, while also meeting the growing needs of regional and global carriers. Executives highlighted Ezhou’s rapid emergence as a logistics and aviation hub, driven by China’s leading role in global aviation growth and the broader recovery of air transport markets.
The facility currently employs approximately 200 staff, with workforce numbers expected to rise to around 700 as both hangars reach full capacity. Recruitment will be paired with training for skilled technicians, and operations will be enhanced through the use of smart technologies such as robotics and digital systems to ensure efficiency and reliability in service delivery.
