Harbin, China-based MRO provider FL ARI Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering (FL ARI) has further expanded its narrowbody maintenance capabilities. It has just received Part 145 base maintenance approval for Boeing 737NG aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

FL ARI—a joint venture between Lithuania-based FL Technics and China Aircraft Leasing Group subsidiary China Aviation Aftermarket Holdings—is now approved to carry out C checks, modification and other maintenance services for 737NG family aircraft.

According to FL ARI CEO Donatas Dockus, the 737NG base maintenance approval “is a valuable addition to our capabilities that will allow FL ARI to continue on the successful development path.” He adds that FL ARI expects base maintenance to become an important part of its business.

The independent MRO received CAAC Part 145 approval for base maintenance services on Airbus A320 family aircraft in March 2021. According to FL ARI, it recently completed its first A320 base maintenance project at its hangar at Harbin Taiping International Airport.

“For a while now FL ARI has been providing professional line maintenance services to a number of Chinese airlines,” says Dockus. “Adding base maintenance to our capabilities opens new prospects for our company and our clients.”

Aviation Week’s Fleet and MRO Forecast data shows an aftermarket value of $2.7 billion for 737NG aircraft in China in 2022—8% of which is comprised of airframe heavy maintenance, 40% of which is comprised of engine maintenance and 7% of which is comprised of modifications.