Rolls-Royce, Air China Break Ground on BAESL MRO Facility

Rolls-Royce and Air China started construction on their joint venture for a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility—Beijing Aero Engine Services Company Limited (BAESL)—in Beijing, China. The BAESL facility is projected to commence operation in 2026.

“Breaking ground on BAESL is a significant milestone for this strategically important joint venture in mainland China,” said Rob Watson, President of Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce. “When it enters into operation in 2026, BAESL will support the growing MRO capacity requirements of our global customers, and in particular those in the region where we have had a presence since the first Dart Engine-powered Vickers Viscount was delivered to China in 1963. Now our third largest single-country market, China is also an important part of our supply chain.”

The MRO facility will be built in close vicinity to the Beijing International Airport, covering more than 80,000 square meters of a greenfield site in the Tianzhu Free Trade Zone. BAESL’s maximum operational capacity will be able to host up to 250 shop visits annually, supported by 800 MRO employees. The facility will service a catalogue of Rolls-Royce aero engines, including the Trent 700, Trent XWB-84, and the Trent 1000.

Ceremony for BAESL joint venture; Image Credits: Xinhua

Ni Jiliang, Senior Vice President of Air China Limited and Chairman of BAESL, said: “BAESL is poised to enter construction phase. Once operational, it will effectively improve Air China's high-thrust engine operation and further ensure the flight safety of our fleet. Air China has been consistently dedicated to developing aircraft maintenance capabilities, ensuring fleet reliability, and enhancing the industrialization of aircraft maintenance.”

BAESL is the fourth addition to Rolls-Royce’s global MRO network that formerly consisted of HAESL, SASEL, and N3.