The growing importance of the Asia-Pacific market for aviation is attracting considerable investment in the region's airframe and engine repair and overhaul capabilities. With large numbers of new Airbus and Boeing aircraft entering service with Asia's carriers, local-airline engineering divisions and third-party maintenance companies are wanting to cash in on the expected future bonanza.
More recently, the Asia-Pacific region has begun to attract more outside interest in possible new joint ventures in the area. Lufthansa Tecknik and Lockheed Martin have both had a presence in Asia for several years, in the form of Beijing-based Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering (AMECO) and Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (GAMECO), respectively.
Newomers to the market now include two of the world's main engine manufacturers, Rolls-Royce and General Electric. The UK company has teamed up with Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering to form Hong Kong Aero Engine Services (HAESL). The $120 million joint venture has now opened its doors for business at a new purpose-built engine test and overhaul plant at Tseung Kwan.
Malaysia investment
GE is similarly investing in Malaysia Airlines' engine test and overhaul site at Subang Airport, near Kuala Lumpur. In return for 70% stake, GE plans to develop the plant into a regional centre specialising in CFM International CFM56 and Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines. The company is complementing this by joining with Philippine Airlines to develop its CF6 capabilities.
The growing number of International Aero Engine V2500s entering service or on order for airlines in the region, such as All Nippon Airways, China Southern Airlines, Asiana Airlines and now SilkAir of Singapore is prompting greater after-sales interest in the powerplant. Japan's Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries already has a V2500 service capability and HAESL is adding one, while Greenwich Air Services has been looking to invest in a similar capability in China.
Source: Flight International
