French firm eyes Hong Kong as base for Asia headquarters, aircraft parts hub

Elior, a subsidiary of Derichebourg Group, also calls on government to provide land and subsidies for training programmes

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Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan says Hong Kong is capable of taking on a more important role in the aviation market. Photo: Getty Images

Published: 11:08am, 21 Mar 2025Updated: 6:22pm, 24 Mar 2025

A leading French aeronautical services company plans to establish its Asia headquarters in Hong Kong as part of a commitment to expanding its regional presence, paving the way for the city to host the continent’s first aircraft parts processing and trading centre.

Confirming an earlier Post report, the Hong Kong government said on Friday that the Elior Group, a subsidiary of the Derichebourg Group, had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the city’s Airport Authority to help expand its operations in Asia.

“Elior Group SA’s intention to expand its presence in Hong Kong highlights the city’s dynamic business environment and immense growth potential across sectors, including its growing aviation centre of excellence,” the government said.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said Hong Kong was capable of taking on a more important role in the aviation market and could contribute to the high-quality development and opening up of the nation.

“I am pleased to see that Elior Group SA and the Airport Authority are exploring the possibility of introducing aircraft parts handling and trading services in Hong Kong, thereby enriching Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation hub and supporting the aviation development of our country as well as the Asian region as a whole,” she said.

In his budget address last month, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po revealed plans to develop Hong Kong as the continent’s first aircraft parts processing and trading centre.