In the next two years, Lufthansa Technik is to invest over Lm 21million (€50 million, US$ 65 million) in Malta, with the building of a new hangar at the Malta International Airport. The hangar will be able to receive wide-bodied aeroplanes for maintenance. The building of the hangar, to reach completion in 2008, is also expected to employ more than 500 persons.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Malta and Lufthansa Technik Malta was negotiated and signed over the last weeks whereby the hangar facility itself will be constructed by Malta Industrial Parks Ltd. and rented to Lufthansa Technik Malta.
New maintenance and overhaul capabilities will be set up for Airbus A330/A340 C- and D-Checks, up to the A340-600. The supervisory board of Lufthansa Technik ap-proved the multi-million euro investment for the bay infrastructure, tooling and ground equipment.
Subject to the finalization of a new collective agreement with the local trade unions, the facility should be up and running as early as 2008. The new investments will be undertaken by the German maintenance, repair and overhaul provider Lufthansa Technik thereby increasing its shares in Lufthansa Technik Malta.
The success of this project is dependent on the availability of trained personnel. Currently Lufthansa Technik Malta sponsors over 50 apprentices undergoing training at the Malta College of Arts Science and Technology which is also investing in new courses to meet with the growing demand of the industry.
“With the growing demand for wide-body maintenance and overhaul on Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft over the next years, we need to ensure a sufficient availability of resources in our worldwide network“, said Dr. Thomas Stüger, Chief Executive Prod-uct and Services, Lufthansa Technik AG. “Our decision today will mark a new era for the Maltese aviation industry and we are looking forward to finalize our negotiations with our partners in Malta.”
“The outstanding quality and service of our team here gives us the chance to go for even new business opportunities. We are totally aware that our customers not only expect the best performance from Lufthansa Technik Malta but also the best price”, explained Louis Giordimaina, Chief Executive Officer of Lufthansa Technik Malta. “With more than 500 additional employees, Lufthansa Technik Malta will also make a significant contribution to Malta’s economical growth.”
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