Japan Airlines Boosts Hong Kong Operations as HAECO Extends Aircraft Support Deal to 2031

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Japan Airlines is increasing its operations in Hong Kong as HAECO extends its agreement to provide line maintenance services, up to 2031. As part of Japan Airlines’ growing passenger and cargo services through Hong Kong International Airport, HAECO will provide other services like maintenance and deep cleaning. HAECO will also provide other aviation services, like ground support and aircraft engineering.

As JAL has increased its flight activity in Hong Kong in recent years, HAECO will continue delivering a wide range of maintenance services for the airline’s Boeing 777, 767, 787, 737 and 767F aircraft. The agreement strengthens the long-term cooperation between the two aviation companies and supports JAL’s operational requirements at one of Asia’s key aviation hubs.

Under the renewed contract, HAECO will broaden its service coverage by adding deep cleaning and scheduled maintenance activities alongside its existing support services. These include aircraft mechanic assistance, Certificate of Release to Service (CRS) support, aircraft pushback operations and cabin cleaning.

The introduction of deep cleaning services highlights HAECO’s expertise in delivering high-quality cabin support solutions. The service expansion also aligns with JAL’s continued focus on maintaining premium passenger experiences, with the airline holding a Skytrax 5-Star Airline rating for nine consecutive years under the World Airline Star Rating assessment.

The extended agreement reinforces HAECO’s role as a trusted maintenance partner for global airlines and reflects the growing importance of reliable aircraft support services as international aviation networks continue to expand.

Gerald Steinhoff, Chief Commercial Officer at HAECO, said: “We are proud to extend our long-standing line maintenance partnership with Japan Airlines, which has spanned more than a decade in Hong Kong. This renewed agreement reflects the trust JAL places in our team to consistently deliver safe, reliable and high-quality services. With a broader scope that now includes additional technical and cabin support solutions, we remain committed to helping JAL maintain operational excellence across its growing regional network.”

Takashi KOIMAI, Senior Vice President, Aircraft Maintenance Centre NARITA of JAL Engineering, said: “JAL and HAECO share a long-standing history of cooperation, and I am truly delighted that our new agreements for scheduled maintenance (SR Jobs) and Deep Cleaning have further strengthened our partnership. We look forward to continuing this wonderful partnership and working closely together to maintain the highest standards of safety and quality.”

Since 2013, HAECO has been providing line maintenance support for Japan Airlines’ aircraft operations in Hong Kong, building a strong and long-term collaboration between the two companies. The partnership has gradually expanded across mainland China, with HAECO delivering maintenance assistance for JAL operations in major aviation markets including Beijing, Dalian, Shanghai Pudong and Tianjin.

In 2025, HAECO reached another milestone by becoming the first overseas MRO provider selected by JAL to carry out advanced non-routine maintenance services at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The development further strengthened the strategic relationship between HAECO and Japan Airlines while highlighting HAECO’s growing role in supporting international airline operations across Asia.