Xu Hajie joined HAECO Xiamen in 1999 – a move that aligned perfectly with his university degree in aircraft and engine maintenance and his career aspirations. Like many of his peers, his early years were defined by a rigorous period of foundation building—beginning with intensive theoretical training, followed by job rotations across the airframe, engine, and landing gear departments before finally earning his licences.

Xu Haijie recalls spending five years immersed in serious learning before becoming a licensed engineer. By working on the front line, observing his mentors, and rotating through different specialisations, he literally "touched” every part of the aircraft inside and out. This comprehensive exposure eventually led to a career in Line Maintenance, taking him to various outstations across the Chinese Mainland, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Chongqing, where he put his knowledge to the test.

Reflecting on his years in the field, Xu notes that the greatest challenge in Line Maintenance is often not the technical faults, but the weather - scorching heat, torrential rain and lightning are not exceptions, but the norm. Despite this, he never takes lightly the three core responsibilities on his shoulders: safety, punctuality and professionalism. By staying vigilant and preparing tools and documentation well in advance, he works to safeguard on-time performance without compromising safety. “We must never stop learning throughout our careers,” he said.

A memorable incident occurred in the sweltering summer of 2007, when a transit flight experienced a major power failure, resulting in a three-hour delay. While resetting the cabin system, Xu inadvertently cut off the captain’s broadcast—a mistake that became a lasting lesson in his professional life. It taught him that Line Maintenance requires more than technical expertise; it also demands situational awareness, sound on-site judgement, and proactive communication with the flight crew.

During the challenging times of the pandemic, Xu witnessed firsthand HAECO Xiamen’s strong dedication to its people. The company’s ability to maintain operations while protecting its workforce deeply impressed him and gave him a strong sense of assurance. His advice to newcomers: develop strong English skills, stay grounded, gain hands-on experience, strengthen communications skills, and uphold the industry’s long-established values.

Now decades into his career, the young man who once joined the industry because “aeroplanes are cool” has evolved into a seasoned professional who recognises that what truly matters is not the surface appeal, but the perseverance behind the scenes. For Xu, there is no greater satisfaction than the quiet confidence that comes from the safe release of an aircraft.

To this day, Xu Haijie still stands on the ramp, watching aircraft take off and land. Though his role may not have many dramatic moments, the safe release of each aircraft carries its own meaning, as well as a deep sense of pride. Xu’s story captures the essence of the work we do at HAECO—away from the spotlight, yet steadfastly ensuring the safety of every journey.