ZHUHAI, CHINA -- GE Aviation and the HNA Group today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to form a joint venture to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for GE's CF34-10A and CF34-10E engines. The MRO JV will be located in the Tianjin and operated by HNA Group, with technical support and materials provided by GE Aviation. 

"The HNA Group, through Hainan Airlines, has been a strong customer for GE and CFM International* engines and we are pleased to sign this MOU that will expand our relationship," said Kevin McAllister, vice president and general manager of Global Sales at GE Aviation. "This JV will provide GE's CF34-10A and –10E customers in China the opportunity to receive in-country MRO services and support to keep their engines at peak performance." 

"We are very excited to sign the MOU with GE to provide services for the GE CF34-10 engines," said Tan Xiangdong, Executive Director of Board, HNA Group. "We look forward to working together to provide outstanding support for our customers." 

GE's CF34-10A engines will power COMAC's ARJ21 indigenous regional jets, which are scheduled to enter service next year. GE's CF34-10E engines power the EMBRAER 190/195 aircraft and have been in service since 2005. HNA Group is the largest operator of the CF34-10E engine in Asia. 

The HNA Group is a diversified business group that includes airlines, airports, hotels, logistics, property, retail and tourism. HNA Group is the fourth largest Chinese airline group and a significant GE customer with a fleet of Boeing 737s and Airbus A319s powered by CFM International* engines. HNA Group has also ordered GEnx-powered Boeing 787s for its expanding international routes. 

GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings. 

*CFM International is a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aviation and Snecma of France.