TheHainan FTP’s aircraft maintenance businesssector is thriving, with an increasing number ofplanesmaking their way from around the world to the island province for servicing. According to data released by Haikou Customs on April 8, during the first quarter of 2025,nineteen domestic or internationalaircraftandfourenginesentered the one-stop aircraft maintenance base in the Hainan Free Trade Port for bonded maintenance with a total value of 14.8 billion RMB (approximately 2.1 billion USD), a 72% increaseover the same period last year.

Recently, an Airbus A330 from Thailand flew to Hainan foraC4-level inspection,a systematic check-up,and maintenance of the plane’savionics system, power system, fuselage structure, and cabin, ensuring safer and more comfortable long-haul flights.

Staff members work on an inbound airplane at a one-stop aircraft maintenance base of Hainan Free Trade Port in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province. (Photo:Xinhua)

WhyHainan?

First, it’s cost-effective—by choosing Hainan, clients can benefit from favorable localpolicies such as “zero tariff” equipmentimports, exemption from depositpaymentsfor inbound maintenance, bonded aircraftfuel, and tax-free maintenance materials, reducingmaintenance costsby 10% to 15%.

Staff members examine an inbound airplane at the one-stop aircraft maintenance base in Haikou's Hainan Free Trade Port, Hainan Province. (Photo:Xinhua)

Secondly, the maintenance base offers comprehensive professional services, including regular inspections, livery painting, aircraft component repairs, and engine maintenance. This one-stop service base meets the varying maintenance and refurbishment needs of airlines based around the world.

Furthermore,to meet the fast-paced operational demands of international airlines,Haikou Meilan Airport Customs has set up a "green channel" offering 24-hour customs clearance support, significantly improving maintenance speed and efficiency.

With rapid business expansion, Hainan is setting up a comprehensive aircraft maintenance service chain that includes engine repairs. For example, when a GEnx-1B engine for a Boeing 787 aircraft is serviced in Hainan, airlines based in China and Southeast Asia can save approximately 500,000 RMB (about 68,000 USD) in transportation costs, as well as shortening the time required by around 20 days.

A Boeing B787-9 aircraft of Mongolian Airlines is parked at the one-stop aircraft maintenance base in Haikou's Hainan Free Trade Port. (Photo:Xinhua)

Currently, the Hainan FTP maintenance base serves clients from many countries including South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Mongolia, and is accelerating expansion into markets in Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia.