He adds that its current facility is already running at almost full capacity. "We're expecting the MRO industry here to grow 9-10% annually over the next 10 years." Aviation consultancy ICF SH&E forecasts that Chinese airlines will spend $10.5 billion on MRO work in 2021, up from an estimated $4.6 billion in 2012. This reflects the mood and pace of MRO firms operating in China, most of which are preparing for strong growth. The numbers appear to be in their favour. Boeing forecasts that China will need 5,260 commercial jets over the next 20 years and 99,400 technicians to maintain them. The Civil Aviation Administration of China has said it will build 50 new airports over the next five years and expand 100 existing ones. Singapore-based ST Aerospace has grown significantly in China and has major investments in Shanghai, Xiamen and Guangzhou. JOINT VENTURES The firm entered China in 2004 when it started a joint venture with China Eastern Airlines to form Shanghai Technologies Aerospace Co (STARCO).