Hong Kong–based aviation services provider HAECO has formalised a multi-year engine support agreement with National Airlines, reinforcing a long-standing maintenance partnership and aligning with the carrier’s strategic expansion in the global air cargo market.
The agreement centres on comprehensive lifecycle support for the airline’s GE90 engine fleet, which powers its Boeing 777F operations. Under the terms, HAECO Engine Services Xiamen will conduct initial performance restoration overhauls for National Airlines’ engines and provide sustained in-service technical support throughout the contract duration. The initiative is designed to enhance engine reliability, extend time on wing, and ensure consistent operational efficiency across the fleet.
To facilitate the airline’s entry into service of the Boeing 777F platform, HAECO Hong Kong will play a critical role in delivering coordinated line maintenance support. Working in close integration with the Xiamen-based engine services division, the Hong Kong team will focus on rapid-response technical assistance aimed at minimising operational disruptions and maintaining high fleet availability—an essential factor in time-sensitive cargo operations.
Sandra Nieuwenhuijzen, Group Director of Component and Engine Services at HAECO, highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement, noting that the collaboration underscores a shared commitment to safety, quality, and punctual service delivery. She emphasised that HAECO’s established GE90 capabilities position the company to effectively support National Airlines’ growing 777F operations.
From the airline’s perspective, the partnership is a critical enabler of operational reliability. Jim Casbarro, Vice President of Technical Operations at National Airlines, stressed that dependable engine maintenance is vital to maintaining schedule integrity as the carrier scales its freighter network. He pointed to HAECO’s technical expertise and global support infrastructure as key advantages in ensuring optimal engine performance.
HAECO Engine Services Xiamen’s service portfolio includes performance restoration shop visits, advanced engine testing, and component repair solutions. These offerings are underpinned by mature engineering processes and turnaround optimisation strategies, aimed at reducing maintenance downtime while maximising aircraft utilisation.
The agreement reflects a broader industry trend where cargo operators increasingly rely on long-term maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) partnerships to sustain operational resilience amid growing demand for air freight capacity.
