The launch of a major airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at Ezhou Huahu International Airport in Hubei marks a significant step in China’s plan to strengthen its position as a global air cargo hub. Developed by Singapore’s ST Engineering and SF Airlines, the joint venture offers line and heavy maintenance for both freighter and passenger aircraft at China’s first dedicated cargo airport.
Capacity to support expanding networks
At opening, the site features two wide-span hangars—accommodating four widebody or eight narrowbody aircraft—though only one is operational until the second is completed in late 2027. Future plans could add four more hangars, making Ezhou one of Asia’s largest MRO clusters.
SF Airlines, China’s largest freighter carrier with over 80 aircraft, is expanding into Southeast Asia and Europe. Locating MRO capacity domestically reduces reliance on overseas facilities, lowering costs and turnaround times. Integrating the MRO within Ezhou’s cargo ecosystem supports higher fleet utilisation in a market where yields are under pressure.
Regional market positioning
The Asia-Pacific MRO market is forecast to hit US$47 billion by 2030, with China a leading contributor. ICAO projects the country could handle over 19 million tonnes of freight annually by 2035. Embedding MRO capacity at Ezhou aligns with China’s dual circulation strategy—boosting domestic capability while linking to global trade lanes.
The facility incorporates robotics, predictive maintenance, and digital workflow systems to cut error rates, optimise turnaround, and enable retrofits that improve fuel efficiency. With ICAO’s CORSIA and the EU’s ETS adding costs for carbon emissions, such upgrades help operators reduce environmental compliance burdens.
Workforce and strategic impact
Currently employing 200 staff, the site is expected to create 700 high-value jobs, prioritising licensed engineers, digital specialists, and composite-material technicians. Partnerships with vocational institutions will build a talent pipeline to address the global shortage of certified maintenance personnel.
For operators, in-region heavy maintenance boosts network flexibility, especially for time-sensitive sectors such as express, pharma, perishables, and electronics. Ezhou’s central location offers direct access to Belt and Road trade corridors into Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Europe.
Integration into global networks
Ezhou expands ST Engineering’s global MRO footprint alongside sites in Guangzhou, Singapore, and the US, enabling flexible fleet planning and resilience during disruptions. For policymakers, the facility illustrates how infrastructure, technology, and workforce development can converge to enhance supply chain reliability. For carriers, it delivers a strategically located, advanced maintenance option in one of the world’s fastest-growing cargo markets.
