Safran Helicopter Engines China obtains CCAR145 maintenance license from CAAC

Safran Helicopter Engines China has obtained a CCAR145 maintenance license issued by Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). In so doing, it has become the first foreign-owned helicopter engine manufacturer subsidiary to offer CCAR145 maintenance capability in China. Safran Helicopter Engines China will now be able to issue Authorized Release Certificates (Form AAC-038), thus greatly reducing lead-times for engine maintenance for its domestic customers. It will also reduce costs such as freight and user tariffs.

Established in 2010, Safran Helicopter Engines China initially provided sales and maintenance services for helicopter engines and engine spare parts to domestic helicopter manufacturers and general aviation operators. In 2013, the company set up a maintenance center in Tianjin which significantly increased its domestic MRO activities. The center supports the Arrius, Arriel and Makila engines operated in China.

So as to consolidate its leading position in the rapidly developing Chinese general aviation market, and to provide more efficient and high-quality services to domestic customers, in June 2022 Safran Helicopter Engines China applied for a CCAR145 maintenance license and obtained it at the end of 2022. 

Marc Delort, General Manager of Safran Helicopter Engines China, said; “This is a major achievement for our company. The approval illustrates our performance and willingness to maintain our leadership in the turboshaft market. I would like to applaud the efforts made by Safran Helicopter Engines and CAAC which have led to this success.”

Safran Helicopter Engines China will now continue to improve its maintenance services to ensure the safe flight of its Chinese customers.