Aircraft and engine aftermarket solutions provider, AerFin, has completed the first-ever commercial aircraft disassembly project at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), dismantling one of the six Airbus A330-200 aircraft that had been parked at the site since 2018.

Working in partnership with the China Development Bank, CDB Aviation, HAECO, Great China Aviation Consulting (GCAC), and others, AerFin overcame complex regulatory, logistical and technical challenges to carry out the work at one of the world’s busiest airports.

AerFin’s chief executive Simon Goodson described the achievement as a hallmark of the company’s capabilities: “This project embodies the AerFin way – a unique blend of commercial insight, operational rigour and technical excellence. It shows what can be achieved when we combine ambition with deep industry collaboration and an unwavering desire to solve complexity on behalf of our customers.”

The operation required coordination with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (HKCAD) and Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to meet stringent safety and environmental standards.

A dedicated disassembly bay was established airside to avoid disruption to airport operations. Among the challenges was the handling of Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines, which demanded adaptive engineering and logistics.

Simon Bayliss, AerFin‘s chief operating officer, called the project “a new benchmark for what’s possible in asset management,” adding: “Our forward-looking approach means we don’t just adapt to change — we anticipate it, bring clarity to complexity and find new ways to support our customers and partners.”

The project is part of AerFin’s broader strategy to support A330ceo operators. In 2024, the company acquired 18 of the 32 aircraft of this type that were permanently retired from service, reinforcing its component availability offering.

Parts harvested from the HKIA disassemblies are already in use across global airline fleets, while 12 of the engines have been successfully sold.

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