Lufthansa Technik’s $40-M new hangar to create 275 jobs in aircraft maintenance

Lufthansa Technik Philippines Inc.’s (LTP) hangar expansion in Villamor Airbase, Pasay City will open job opportunities for Filipino workers especially-trained in the aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhauling.

The new Hangar 1A is seen creating at least 275 jobs for Filipino workers who are experts in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhauling (MRO), LTP president and CEO Elmar Lutter said during the ground breaking ceremony for the hangar on Wednesday.

A joint venture between Germany’s Lufthansa Technik AG and Lucio Tan-led MacroAsia Corp., LTP is allocating $40 million to the new facility, Lutter noted.

The new hangar will expand the company’s service capacity by 20% and potentially add 10% to revenue.

Lufthansa Technik Philippines president and CEO Elmar Lutter says new hangar will open opportunities to 275 Filipino workers in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul services sector. | via @Ted_Cordero pic.twitter.com/R3Nq8JeIBF

— GMA News (@gmanews) November 27, 2019

The new hangar is targeted to start commercial operations in the last quarter of 2020.

“This move is LTP’s answer to the growing MRO demand in Asia Pacific, and further strengthens the Philippines as an ideal aviation services hub in the region,” Lutter noted.

With a total land area of 9,000 square meters, the new Hangar 1A will enable the company to service more aircraft, including Airbus A380.

The new hangar will be an exact replica of LTP’s existing Hangar 1, which currently services Philippine Airlines, British Airways, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and Saudi Arabian Airlines.

“Lufthansa Technik Philippines has always been the country’s forerunner in the MRO industry. As we approach our 20th year, it’s about time we showcase the Philippines as an aviation stronghold in Asia Pacific,” Lutter said.

“The company strongly believes in the ability of the Philippines to be a hub for aviation services in the region, and proof of this is our expansion and commitment to the country,” he said.

Established in 2000, the LTP joint venture’s equity structure consists of 51% Hamburg-based Lufthansa Technik and 49% MacroAsia.

LTP now employs 3,300 Filipinos across its key sites nationwide—Clark, Cebu, Davao, Kalibo, and Puerto Princesa.

The construction of Hangar 1A is LTP’s 10th bay in Manila. It provides base and line services to various aircraft, including Airbus A320, A330, A350, A380, and Boeing B777. —VDS, GMA News