The GEnx MRO Forum, a major event in the global aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) industry, was held in Haikou for the first time from October 12 to 15. Technical experts from GE Aerospace and the global GEnx maintenance industry visited HNA-affiliated Haikou Meilan Airport Gineers Aero-Engine Maintenance Engineering Company (HES) for a firsthand look at the development of advanced aviation maintenance services in the Hainan Free Trade Port. The visit provided opportunities to strengthen cooperation across the global aviation supply chain and explore new international business partnerships.

GEnx MRO Forum delegates take part in technical discussions.

The GEnx is a family of high-bypass turbofan engines developed by GE Aerospace, with the GEnx-1B powering the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the GEnx-2B powering the Boeing 747-8. HES is the only engine maintenance provider in the Chinese mainland to hold GE's highest level of authorization under a GE Branded Service Agreement (GBSA) for the GEnx-1B engine used on the Boeing 787.

During the event, delegates from China and abroad toured the facility's key operational areas, including training facilities, engine assembly and disassembly stations, module teardown areas, cleaning and inspection facilities, component repair workshops, and an engine test stand. On the overhaul shop floor, they learned about HES's comprehensive maintenance system, advanced tooling and equipment, and standardized work procedures firsthand.

HES's engine overhaul workshop.

HES holds maintenance approvals from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The company serves several Chinese and international airlines and is steadily expanding maintenance capacity. Hosting the GEnx MRO Forum site visit gave GE Aerospace and MRO companies worldwide a closer look at Hainan's aviation maintenance industry while also creating opportunities for HES to connect with the international MRO market.

Thanks to the preferential policies of the Hainan FTP, HES continues to expand the company’s engine overhaul capabilities, respond to demand in the global MRO market, and take on international maintenance contracts.

Hainan is also working to develop an aviation maintenance business cluster, creating a new base for collaboration across the global aviation supply chain.