StandardAero Expands Customer Base in China

StandardAero Expands Customer Base in China Through Partnership with Air Central

StandardAero has secured a significant contract with China Central Longhao Airlines Co., Ltd., operating as Air Central, to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the CFM International CFM56-7B engines powering its Boeing 737-800BCF freighter fleet. The first engine from Air Central underwent a performance restoration shop visit at StandardAero’s Winnipeg facility last month. As an authorized CFM MRO provider, StandardAero supports operators globally from its overhaul centers in Winnipeg, Canada, and at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in the United States.

In addition to engine overhauls, StandardAero offers a broad range of services for the CFM56 engine family. These include component repair and overhaul through its Component Repair Services (CRS) division, asset management via PTS Aviation, and engine health monitoring (EHM) data analysis, providing comprehensive support to operators.

Strategic Collaboration with Air Central

Yi Yunyuan, Chief Engineer at China Central Longhao Airlines, expressed satisfaction with the partnership, highlighting that Air Central is the first Chinese customer to adopt CFM56-7B engine maintenance services from StandardAero. He emphasized that the company’s professional expertise and extensive global service network will enhance the operational efficiency and safety of their fleet, establishing a strong foundation for future growth.

Will Pitcher, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Customers at StandardAero, remarked on the significance of the collaboration, noting that China accounts for over 20% of the global installed CFM56-7B fleet, with more than 2,600 engines in service. He underscored StandardAero’s commitment to supporting Boeing 737NG operators in China, including Air Central, with responsive, cost-effective, and CAAC-approved engine MRO solutions tailored to both domestic and international cargo operations.

Navigating Growth and Competition in the Chinese Market

StandardAero’s expansion into China occurs amid a dynamic and rapidly evolving aviation market. The company has a well-established history of supporting Chinese operators across various engine types, including the Rolls-Royce RB211-535, GE Aerospace CF34, Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100/PT6A, and multiple auxiliary power units. Recently, StandardAero received CAAC approval to provide MRO services for CFM International’s LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines, marking a notable advancement in its service offerings.

Despite these achievements, the company faces challenges such as regulatory complexities and intensifying competition from domestic MRO providers as more international firms seek to expand their presence in China. Market response to StandardAero’s announcement has been positive, reflected in a rise in its stock price. Industry analysts anticipate that competitors will likely pursue similar strategies to capitalize on the growing demand within the Chinese aviation sector.

Overview of China Central Longhao Airlines and CFM International

China Central Longhao Airlines, headquartered in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, operates a fleet comprising Boeing 737, Boeing 747, and COMAC C909 freighters, offering cargo services both domestically and internationally. Formerly known as Guangdong Longhao Airlines, Air Central has been active since 2017 and functions as a subsidiary of the Henan Civil Aviation Development & Investment Group.

CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, stands as the world’s leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines. Its CFM56 engine family has powered narrowbody aircraft worldwide, with over 30,000 engines delivered and more than one billion flight hours accumulated. The partnership with StandardAero reinforces CFM’s dedication to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the global aviation industry, particularly in key growth markets such as China.