Optimism over Lufthansa Technik sale

SOURCES say it looks increasingly likely that Lufthansa Technik will be sold, rather than restructured or closed down. 

The company are understood to still be in discussions with an interested party, as talks aimed at agreeing a sale continue. 

While at one time the company had expected to make a decision on the Shannon plant’s future by mid July, there is still some uncertainty nearly a month later, but there is optimism that the discussions will ultimately bear fruit.

Lufthansa Technik Shannon,  employs around 500 people, but has seen its operations hit very hard by the pandemic.

It  specialises in the overhaul of short- and medium-range aircraft. The services offered include basic overhauls and annual checks on the Boeing 737 Classic und Next Generation, 757, 767 and MD-80 types and the Airbus A320 family of aircraft.

The aircraft overhauls are carried out in a 12,300 square meters hangar offering five parking positions. In a further, approx. 4,600 square meters hangar, up to two aircraft can be painted at a time.

Meanwhile, one year on from having cut staff numbers, its sister company Lufthansa Technik Turbines Shannon, has expressed some confidence about its future. “As a result of the slow but consistent recovery of the market, LTTS is currently evaluating its resources with a view to building capacity further.

“Production levels at Lufthansa Technik Turbine Shannon Ltd have been adversely affected by the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on aviation, and the company is availing of Irish government supports but can confirm that there are no plans to reduce the headcount at LTTS.”