First Aircraft Dismantling Project Launched at Hainan Free Trade Port

The first aircraft dismantling project at the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) was launched on Friday at the FTP’s integrated aircraft maintenance base. The project, undertaken by Grand China Aviation Maintenance Co., Ltd. under HNA Technic, marks the completion of the aviation maintenance value chain cycle in Hainan. Aircraft dismantling is an important part of the aviation circular economy. By dismantling retired aircraft and testing and refurbishing their components, the process enables the reuse of parts and materials, benefiting both the economy and the environment, while enhancing the competitiveness of Hainan’s aviation maintenance industry. The Hainan FTP offers several advantages for businesses. Hainan’s strategic location as an island in southern China makes it an important gateway connecting China with the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and the maintenance company brings proven expertise in aircraft repair and modification. Policies at the Hainan FTP also offer significant support for aircraft dismantling projects and the recycling and remanufacturing of aviation components. The Hainan FTP, the world’s largest free trade port by area, fully launched special customs operations across the entire island in December 2025, allowing freer entry of foreign goods, expanding the scope of zero tariffs, and implementing more business-friendly measures. According to industry estimates, the global market for used, repaired, and remanufactured components is vast. Meanwhile, the duty-free policies and other import facilitation measures at the Hainan FTP help companies reduce capital costs and time when remanufacturing components from dismantled aircraft. With repairs, modifications, dismantling, and component recycling now taking place across the entire value chain, more aviation-related companies are expected to come to Hainan, driving growth in aviation logistics, component trading, maintenance, and other related industries, according to the Jiangdong New Area Administration Bureau in Haikou City, where the aircraft maintenance base is located.