Even as the Covid crisis hammered commercial aviation over the last two years, aircraft maintenance and overhaul giant Lufthansa Technik saw very high demand for its so-called Special Aircraft Services business, which supports completions for VIP, government and large business aircraft.
In an update today, the German firm described its workload for this unit as “excellent” and said it stretches out over the “next few years with only a few slots still available” for new cabin installations as well as corresponding modification and maintenance services.
“Our Special Aircraft Services business was one of the few areas of Lufthansa Technik that was not affected by the massive pandemic-related impact on international aviation in recent years,” said Michael von Puttkamer, vice president of Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik.
He continued, “Our current order situation is one of the best in the company’s history. We have therefore already taken various measures in recent months, such as adding more staff, to adjust our structures and processes so that we can handle all projects to the absolute satisfaction of our customers despite high capacity utilization.”
Lufthansa Technik in 2021 increased revenue by 7% year-over-year and generated a positive adjusted EBIT of EUR 210 million as passenger traffic started to rebound, and industry saw an improvement in flying hours and aircraft capacity utilization. Notably, external airlines accounted for about 80% of Lufthansa Technik’s business in 2021.
Even so, the technical support that Lufthansa Technik is providing for VIP, government and business aircraft operators will be a key pillar of the company’s economic recovery over the next 12 months.
“No other provider in this particular business segment can offer such a range of services from a single source for both the entire Boeing and the entire Airbus family in the areas of cabin, airframe and engines,” declared Wieland Timm, head of sales for VIP & Special Mission Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik.
“This is because we offer not only technical services but also comprehensive engineering and design capabilities, as our latest VIP cabin concept ‘EXPLORER’ clearly demonstrates. Our international network and mobile maintenance services also help us to be as close to the customer as possible.”
In addition to its core business with this clientele, Lufthansa Technik has long provided technical services for military customers, such as the German Air Force, and the air forces of other Western nations.
“In both areas the company sees very good growth opportunities for the next few years, for example in the field of security products, which are currently experiencing increased demand, especially from government customers,” it said today.
To that end, Lufthansa Technik has also established a new business unit, Defense Programs, to further strengthen its activities with military customers.
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All images credited to Lufthansa Technik
