In the background of that: the new round science and technology revolution and global industry upgrading is expeditiously advancing, the innovation-driven development is erected as state strategy by China and traditional equipment manufacturing industry is under transformation and update, how to realize the transform of the aero-engine assembly from the traditional manufacturing mode characterized by labor-intensified and experience-dominated to the advanced manufacturing mode characterized by digitization, automation and intelligence, increase the assembly accuracy, consistency, reliability and efficiency at upper level, create more and larger value of final manufacturing in the product life cycle, it is not only an important strategic development issue for aero-engine industry, but also a commitment for the ‘pearl on industry crown’ to lead as a model for assembly manufacturing upgradation of other high-tech equipment product. Based on the aero-engine assembly process technology development condition, this paper presents the main gap between China and other country, analyzes the issues wherein, refines the research requirement of fundamental technology and engineering application technology, makes the prospect and suggestion for later assembly technology development. Hopefully, this paper provides the enlightenment and reference for aero-engine assembly process optimization and upgradation, related R & D project planning and establishment.