Aircraft engine service centre aims to capture regional trade

The largest aircraft engine-testing centre in Asia opened in Tseung Kwan O yesterday with the potential to become the region's technical troubleshooter.

About 600 people will be employed at the Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Ltd (Haesl) plant - 100 more than at the current facilities used at Kai Tak airport.

Haesl director and general manager Tom Begley said though experience was vital for aircraft engineers, all new staff would be hired locally with comprehensive training planned.

The $900 million centre is a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co (Haeco) to test and service Rolls-Royce engines used in the Cathay Pacific Airways fleet as well as Dragonair, mainland airlines and contracts which are being negotiated around the world.

John Cheffins, managing director of Rolls-Royce Commercial Aero Engines and Mr Begley refused to comment on the problems faced by the Trent 700 engines which forced the grounding of Cathay and Dragonair planes earlier this year.

But Mr Begley said Haesl could become a regional facility, not only performing scheduled overhauls, but also for trouble-shooting if similar troubles to the Trent 700 were experienced again.