HAECO, a leading global provider of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) solutions, has been awarded the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification for its new base maintenance hangar at Xiamen Xiang’an International Airport, set to commence operations by 2026. This highest level of recognition in the LEED rating system marks a significant achievement for HAECO, as it is the world’s largest single-span hangar – and the first hangar outside the U.S. – to attain this level of certification.
“This exceptional recognition underscores our strong commitment to environmental stewardship, as well as to setting the new industry benchmark for sustainable practices in our operations,” said Richard Sell, Chief Executive Officer of HAECO Group.
“In addition to being the world’s largest single-span hangar, our new facility in Xiamen is among the most energy-efficient and technologically advanced, featuring smart building and MRO technologies that will enhance operational efficiency and significantly reduce our impact on the environment,” he added.
Poised to begin full operations by 2026, HAECO’s new maintenance base in Xiamen covers an area of 537,300 square metres, with a building area of approximately 292,300 square metres. It boasts a ‘central axle’ design that optimises logistics management and material transport between its two maintenance facilities and ancillary buildings, with versatile spaces to accommodate different aircraft types. The facility is fitted with eco-friendly features such as solar panels, intelligent building management systems, and advanced wastewater and emissions treatment systems, as well as robotic automation that facilitate the warehousing and 24/7 transport of materials to maintenance bays. These new features ensure the new facility operates with maximum efficiency and energy savings, while prioritising the safety and wellbeing of its employees.
The LEED certification system, established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is currently one of the most widely recognised standards for green buildings globally, evaluating the entire lifecycle of the building from design, construction to operation. Factors such as site location, transportation, energy and water consumption, construction materials, and occupants’ comfort and health are taken into consideration. Upon evaluation by USGBC or an authorised third-party agency, certifications (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum) are awarded based on the building’s environmental performance in various areas.
Earlier this year, HAECO achieved a significant milestone by generating the highest electricity output of 4,000,000kWh annually from a single site in Hong Kong with the expanded solar photovoltaic (PV) system at its base maintenance facility. With sustainable development as one of its core values and guided by its 2030 sustainable development strategy, HAECO strives to position itself as a leader in sustainability and lead the industry towards a greener future.
