Chinese MRO firm Ameco will conduct the world’s first D-check on a passenger Boeing 747-8, after clinching approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Chinese MRO firm Ameco will conduct the world’s first D-check on a passenger Boeing 747-8, after clinching approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The company states it received the EASA approval in August this year, and will perform the first heavy maintenance checks on a Lufthansa 747-8.

Ameco adds that the approval also gives it the green light to expand heavy maintenance works on the 747-8s to foreign customers.

Prior to that, it had conducted a series of C-checks on Air China’s fleet of 747-8 passenger aircraft, after acquiring the capability to provide airframe overhaul services for the type in 2015.

The MRO firm completed the first D-check on a 747-8 freighter in 2018, after gaining approval from Chinese aviation authorities.

Ameco’s parent companies – Air China and Lufthansa – both operate 747-8s in their fleet. Cirium fleets data indicates Air China operates seven aircraft, while Lufthansa has 19 in its fleet.