Lufthansa Technik expands in region

Dubai: Lufthansa Technik, one of the world's largest aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service providers, is expanding in the region with a major tie-up with Oman Air that will see the development of a large hanger through a joint venture, a top official said.

The Hamburg-based company has major maintenance tie-ups with airlines in the region including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways and Saudi Arabian Airlines.

Lufthansa Technik and Oman Air signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop the maintenance hanger in Muscat that will enhance Oman Air's maintenance capabilities as its fleet matures, requiring major tests - such as C Check and D Checks.

The airline, which is adding aircraft to the fleet regularly, will require the capabilities. The new joint venture will help the airline to attain that.

"We haven't decided on the partnership details, however, it's more likely to be a joint venture. I do not have the investment details, which will be decided as we start negotiations," August Wilhelm Henningsen, chairman of Lufthansa Technik's board, said.

More than 300 technicians and mechanics will offer aircraft maintenance through to light C-Checks for Airbus A330s, Boeing 737NG, Embraer and ATR aircraft.

"With this strategic partnership, we are strengthening a well-established cooperative relationship. In the future, we will be able to offer technical services directly in Oman to customers in the region that is one of the growth markets of international aviation," he said.

On the basis of the intended contract, from January 2010, a total of 15 C-checks will be carried out for Lufthansa Technik's new partner.