Aviation Academy and French Elior Group jointly launch Aircraft Engineering Training Centre

The Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (HKIAA) and the French leading aviation services company Elior Group Derichebourg Aeronautics Services (Elior) today officially launched their jointly operated Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Training Centre (Training Centre). This marks a new milestone in the development of Hong Kong's high value-added aviation services.

The launch ceremony was officiated by John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), who witnessed the signing of an agreement by representatives of HKIAA and Elior, confirming the official launch of the Training Centre and their cooperation in offering professional aircraft maintenance mechanics training courses.  Michael Wong, Deputy Financial Secretary; Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics; Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development; Christile Drulhe, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau; Vivian Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) and Chairman of HKIAA; and Simon Li, President of HKIAA, attended the ceremony.

John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, said: “As a global aviation hub with a world-class airport and an extensive air services network, Hong Kong has achieved remarkable success, particularly in air cargo.

Building on this foundation, we are now focusing on making Hong Kong a leading aircraft recycling and parts-trading hub in the region. Realising this ambition demands a steady supply of skilled aircraft maintenance mechanics and engineers, which is entrusted to the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy in collaboration with Elior.”

Elior is a leading professional aviation services company, covering aviation services, construction, and facility management. The Group is committed to promoting sustainable practices, including aircraft dismantling and parts recycling. Given the complexity of aviation maintenance procedures, there are stringent international requirements for aircraft maintenance procedures, from component dismantling and verification to valuation and airworthiness assessment.  The collaboration aims to nurture local expertise in aircraft asset management and engineering by introducing world-class professional training facilities and instructors for aircraft maintenance, dismantling, and high-value parts recycling via Elior, bringing its international expertise to Hong Kong. This will advance Hong Kong's development into Asia's first aircraft component processing and trading centre, consolidating Hong Kong's position as the premier international aviation hub.

Daniel Derichebourg, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Elior Group SA, said: "Elior is full of confidence in Hong Kong's strength as an international metropolis and an aviation hub. The Group will continue to increase its investment in Hong Kong to build a complete 'aviation trinity' covering talent training and expanding into aircraft maintenance engineering and parts recycling businesses. We are committed to establishing a sustainable aviation ecosystem for Hong Kong."

Vivian Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK and Chairman of HKIAA, said: "With world-class professional aircraft maintenance facilities and services, Hong Kong International Airport collaborates with Elior to develop Hong Kong into a centre for aircraft parts processing, certification, and trading. We believe that establishment of the Training Centre is a key step in nurturing more professionals specialising in aircraft parts dismantling and certification, diversifying aviation services for Hong Kong and the region, and consolidating Hong Kong’s role as a 'super-connector' in the global aviation industry."

Specialists with aircraft maintenance engineering expertise are crucial to the safety, comfort, and reliability of aviation operations. The Training Centre will provide comprehensive on-the-job training, covering both theory and practice, including design, theoretical knowledge and practical training. Students will be provided with an in-depth understanding of airframe structural design, system operations, and related regulations.