Sandra Nieuwenhuijzen, Former Group Director of Components and Engine Services, honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

HAECO has been recognised as “Asia MRO of the Year – Component Services” at the 7th MRO Asia-Pacific Awards 2026 in Singapore. Former Group Director of Components and Engine Services, Sandra Nieuwenhuijzen, also received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. These awards recognise HAECO's industry-leading component services capabilities, while also celebrating Sandra Nieuwenhuijzen's significant contributions to the global MRO industry.

Asia MRO of the Year – Component Services

As part of its nose-to-tail service portfolio, HAECO offers component repair and overhaul solutions through its operating companies, including HAECO Component Overhaul, HAECO Composite Services, and HAECO Landing Gear Services, supported by state-of-the-art facilities in Hong Kong and Xiamen. Together, they deliver reliable, high-quality and cost-effective component solutions to airlines and operators worldwide. 

A member of the judging panel commented: “What makes HAECO's achievement particularly compelling is their ability to combine an outstanding track record with productivity, customer value, safety, and sustainability. The judges were especially impressed by their strong OEM partnerships, proven innovation, and the prestigious recognition as Airbus's No. 1 supplier for 10 consecutive years — a remarkable testament to consistent excellence.”

Richard Sell, CEO of HAECO Group, said: "This award is a testament to the strength of our component services business and the collective efforts of our teams to deliver exceptional value to our customers. It reflects the expertise, collaboration and customer focus that define HAECO. We are proud of this achievement and remain committed to strengthening our component services portfolio, advancing strategic OEM partnerships, and supporting the evolving needs of the global aviation industry."

HAECO Component Overhaul supports more than 4,000 component part numbers and processes up to 35,000 repair orders annually, while expanding its next-generation engine component capabilities through OEM-authorised partnerships. Recent milestones include an Elite Licensed Repair Service Facility (LRSF) agreement with Woodward to provide OEM-authorised repair support for the CFM International LEAP engine family, and a new component maintenance agreement with Safran Electronics & Defense Actuation Systems covering Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft. HAECO Component Overhaul is relocating to an expanded facility in Xiamen later this year, incorporating advanced automation technologies to streamline operations and increase capacity.

HAECO Composite Services was recognised as Airbus’ No. 1 supplier for 10 consecutive years and has developed innovative repair solutions that have saved customers millions of dollars by restoring components previously deemed beyond repair. It recently extended its multi-year radome repair agreement with Airbus, reflecting the aircraft manufacturer’s continued confidence in HAECO's composite repair capabilities. 

HAECO Landing Gear Services is a leading regional provider of landing gear repair and overhaul services. It is a primary MRO provider for Boeing widebody aircraft in Asia-Pacific and supports a broad range of Boeing, Airbus and Embraer platforms. It recently completed its first landing gear overhaul for the COMAC C909 regional jet in collaboration with Liebherr-Aerospace, adding a new aircraft platform to its specialised portfolio.

Following its recognition as “Asia MRO of the Year – Engine” in 2024 and “Asia MRO of the Year – Airframe” in 2025, this latest accolade further reinforces HAECO's leadership across the aviation MRO sector and its ongoing commitment to delivering innovative solutions and long-term value to customers worldwide.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Sandra Nieuwenhuijzen, former HAECO Group Director of Components and Engine Services, received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her more than 40 years of outstanding contributions to the aviation MRO industry. Prior to her retirement in June, Sandra led the Components and Engine Services division, overseeing a global portfolio with approximately US$7 billion in revenue and more than 3,500 employees, while helping shape the company's long-term strategy and competitiveness.

A pioneer of Lean transformation, Sandra introduced and embedded Lean methodologies across KLM Engineering & Maintenance, Qantas Engineering and HAECO. She also held senior leadership roles spanning engineering, supply chain, safety and organisational transformation, and broke gender barriers as KLM Engineering & Maintenance’s first female Vice President of Line Maintenance. Through mentorship, thought leadership and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion, she has helped shape the next generation of aviation professionals.

A member of the judging panel remarked: “As a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Sandra pioneered Lean Six Sigma deployment across multiple global MROs, fundamentally transforming how our industry approaches operational excellence. Most importantly, she championed people-centric leadership and helped break barriers for women in technical aviation leadership. Her impact on the companies she worked for — and especially her role in advancing women in aviation — has created pathways and possibilities for countless professionals.”

Organised by Aviation Week Network, the MRO Asia-Pacific Awards recognise individuals and organisations across 10 categories for their contributions to advancing excellence and innovation in the aviation MRO industry. The awards are presented in conjunction with MRO Asia-Pacific, the region's leading aviation MRO event held annually in Singapore.

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About HAECO Group

HAECO Group is one of the world’s leading aircraft engineering and maintenance service providers. We provide a comprehensive range of solutions encompassing airframe services, line services, component overhaul, aerostructure repairs, landing gear services, engine services, global engine support, parts manufacturing and technical training. HAECO Group comprises 14 operating companies, employing around 15,000 staff in Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, Europe and the Americas. Learn more at www.haeco.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X or WeChat for the latest updates.