The aviation maintenance base. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

During the first quarter of this year, Xiamen Customs supervised the maintenance of 111 inbound and outbound aircraft. The import and export value of out-of-zone aviation bonded maintenance reached 50.2 billion yuan ($6.83 billion), representing a year-on-year increase of 5.66 percent and 41.42 percent, respectively. These figures set new record highs for this period.

The aviation maintenance base has expanded its overseas business coverage to nearly 30 countries and regions across Asia, America, Europe, and Africa.

Xiamen's aviation maintenance industry has evolved from a 1.64-square-kilometer civil aviation maintenance zone into a global leading hub. The Xiamen Free Trade Zone has now become China's largest inbound aircraft maintenance base, attracting internationally renowned companies such as Taikoo, ST Engineering, and Honeywell.

It covers the highest-level maintenance services in the industry, with a complete range of business models and import-export modes, positioning it as a significant player in the sector.

Meanwhile, the Xiamen FTZ has pioneered China's first pilot program for "bonded maintenance outside the comprehensive bonded zone." Under this initiative, aviation maintenance companies enjoy guarantee-free, tax-refundable, and ledger-based bonded policies outside the zone.

This innovation has expanded the business scope from whole-aircraft maintenance to engine, landing gear, and component manufacturing services. The policy saves enterprises an estimated 2.2 billion yuan in guarantee deposits annually, along with over one million yuan in letter of credit fees.

Xiamen Customs inspects an aircraft under repair. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]