Commonly abbreviated to MRO, let’s take a look at what this means to aviation…
Like any mode of transport, aircraft need maintenance to ensure they perform efficiently. Also, if something goes wrong, they can’t just pull over into a layby and call rescue services! Aviation MRO companies undertake specific repair, service or inspection. Depending on the size of airline, these facilities can be found within an airport, especially if it’s a home base such as LHR for BA. However, deep maintenance can be outsourced to specialist companies often in other countries. So, who are the main players in this sector?
Lufthansa Technik (LHT) – as you would expect from the LH Group, this Division is the leading provider of aircraft maintenance, repair, overhaul and modification services for civil aircraft, including commercial, VIP and special mission. Through holding international licences for maintenance, design and production, tailored maintenance programmes are provided. These include modification, completion and conversion as well as innovative cabin products, material pooling or engine services. All achieved with digital fleet support.
With its HQ in Hamburg, the company boasts worldwide coverage. Key locations in Europe are Germany, Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, UK, Poland and Austria. Further afield, there are key facilities in China, Philippines, China, India, UAE, and Malaysia. The list of airline customers is impressive. That BA A380 heading for the Philippines with a strange flight number is booked in for maintenance. BAA will conduct routine maintenance and repairs at LHR, but because of the time C and D check can take, it’s better to send their fleet to an overseas MRO facility.
2024 is already a busy year for LHT. In addition to new agreements with Condor at the German carrier’s home base and Cebu Pacific, whose new deal includes its widebody fleet. LHT Philippines recently announced completion of its first 12-year check on LH A380 D-AIMC. A second A380 D-AIMH already there in preparation for the same check.
STS Aviation – although the company has been in existence for 40 years, it’s only recently that they’ve ventured into the UK with bases at MAN, BHX and NQY. At BHX, they took over the Monarch Aircraft Engineering (MAE) facility. At MAN, they now operate from the former Thomas Cook hangar. In the USA, their main base is Melbourne (MLB) with facilities in Miramar and many other locations for various aspects of aircraft maintenance. Over the border at Montreal and at Shannon Ireland, aircraft interior modification is conducted. STS is also represented in South America, Middle and East Asia covering all aspects of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul.
The list of approvals held is long. The most common, EASA Part 145 and FAA, are held at many of their sites. There have been rumours recently in the UK that the BHX facility would handle only military work, such as to the A330, with commercial aircraft serviced in MAN. However, this has not yet materialised. There is still no sign of work completion on the 3 Boeing Wedgetails at BHX, although one was moved partly out of the hangar last week, so was pinging on FR24.
Emirates – there’s no record of the UAE carrier outsourcing any of its maintenance, including A and C checks, so it can be assumed that it’s all carried out at DXB/DWC. Only DXB holds EASA 145 accreditation. Around the world, outlying bases can carry out maintenance and repairs. The Aircraft Appearance Centre is responsible for the upkeep of both exterior and interior. All decals for standard and special liveries are produced in-house.
And a name from the past…
Fokker – yes, still around as Fokker Services Group. Its Asian subsidiary is now an authorised Embraer service centre. The agreement will initially focus on the first-generation E-Jets in Asia-Pacific region.
There are just too many companies to feature. Let’s not forget those who are responsible for keeping bizjets, helicopters and other flying machines in excellent working order!
And finally…
Jet2 – Saturday’s 757 flight MAN-ACE was curtailed after 2 hours due to a door seal problem. It didn’t warrant a full emergency, just one fire engine in attendance. Passengers transferred to another 757. After a few hours with their amazing engineers, the aircraft passed its early evening test flight. Apparently, leaky door seals are a well-known 757 problem. It’s interesting that no-one on social media asked when the next 757 would be retired by Jet2…
Information courtesy of Lufthansa Technik, STS, Airliner World
Images courtesy of NDR, Aviation Week
©TPSC and Poshgirl