BEIJING- China has expanded its domestic maintenance and repair ecosystem for the C919 and C909 aircraft, strengthening its civil aviation resilience as fleet deliveries rise.
The move supports operators including Air China (CA) at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), TransNusa (8B) in Southeast Asia, VietJet (VJ), and Lao Airlines (LK), which are actively deploying the C909 on regional routes.
The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) is driving this expansion through deeper cooperation with global and regional maintenance providers.
Key support hubs now include Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN), where service capability for landing gear and major components has recently been upgraded.
Maintenance Expansion Network Growth
China has broadened its aircraft maintenance footprint through new partnerships across mainland China and Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited (HAECO), a Swire Group subsidiary linked to Cathay Pacific (CX), recently completed its first C909 landing gear overhaul in Xiamen.
The expansion reflects rising demand as COMAC increases C909 and C919 deliveries.
Industry analysts note that localized servicing reduces dependency on overseas facilities and improves turnaround efficiency for operators.
China’s Engine MRO Capability Expansion and Growth
China has also strengthened its engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for the C919 fleet.
The Leap-1C engine, developed by CFM International, now receives certified support in Chengdu through Sichuan Service Aeroengine Maintenance, a joint venture involving Air China (CA).
The facility has become the first premier CFM-certified MRO partner in China for Leap engines. This certification enables faster inspections, reduced downtime, and improved cost efficiency for expanding C919 operators.
Airwefly analyst Jason Zheng was quoted by the South China Morning Post as saying:
For years, the global aviation industry [has been] bogged down in prolonged engine maintenance cycles and high costs and Comac jets and their users are not immune
Fleet Support Outlook and Operational Expansion
The growing maintenance network supports more than 180 C909 aircraft in service and 37 C919 units delivered as of May. Airlines operating these aircraft are expected to benefit from stronger domestic support as utilization rates increase across Asia.
Analysts say the system reduces engine turnaround time from months to more efficient cycles, improving aircraft availability.
With China targeting larger fleet expansion, localized MRO capacity is becoming a strategic pillar for sustained operations.
The development also aligns with broader aviation cooperation agreements involving aircraft and engine procurement between China and international manufacturers, reinforcing long-term fleet stability.
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