LTP builds $30-M hangar to service A380

Manila Bulletin
May 3, 2011
By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT

MANILA, Philippines — Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP), a joint venture of Lufthansa Technik AG of Germany and Philippine aviation service provider MacroAsia Corporation, is investing $30 million for a new hangar to provide repair and maintenance services to the world’s largest and most technologically advanced commercial plane, Airbus A380.

The groundbreaking of the new hangar was scheduled on Friday at the LTP headquarters at the MacroAsia Special Economic Zone in Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.

The new aircraft maintenance hangar, located at the MacroAsia Special Economic Zone in Villamor Airbase in Pasay City, is slated for completion by January 2012 to become part of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport complex.

“The new $30 million hangar indicates the continuing commitment of Lufthansa Technik Philippines to build its investment in the Philippines and create hundreds of high-tech, high-skill jobs for Filipinos, putting the Philippines in the global aviation map,” the company said.

The designation of LTP as the preferred location for the A380 maintenance within the Lufthansa Technik Group is a major coup for the company and the country.

Through the $30 million investment, the Philippines is one of the few locations of A380 maintenance in the world.

For LTP, it will mean the long-term security for its current 2,700 employees. Further, the A380 project will create 400 high-tech and high-skills jobs.

Concurrent with the construction of the hangar is the acquisition of tooling and equipment. Training of the Filipino technical staff who will be performing maintenance tasks on this most advanced airliner, is underway.

Founded in the year 2000, LTP offers a wide range of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to customers worldwide. It was originally envisioned to service the MRO needs of Philippine Airlines, which is owned by tycoon Lucio Tan, who also owns MacroAsia. Over the years, however, LTP has expanded to service the fleet of other foreign airlines.

The company heavily focuses on base maintenance checks for the A319/A320 and A330/A340 types of aircraft. Seven hangar bays and workshops have been upgraded to the latest industry standards to support aircraft maintenance, major modifications, cabin reconfigurations, engine maintenance and painting for A319/A320, A330/A340, B747-400 and B777 aircraft. It has also added a new widebody hangar to meet the increasing demand for A330/A340 base maintenance checks.

The company aims to be the MRO provider of first choice in Asia. It aims to assure safety and reliability of its customers.

It has an extensive line and base maintenance approval from major aviation authorities including the United States' Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Europe 's EASA. The company has a workforce of 2,700 highly skilled mechanics, engineers and support personnel.

Five hangar bays and workshops have been upgraded to the latest industry standards to support aircraft maintenance and overhaul, major modifications, cabin reconfigurations, engine maintenance and painting for Airbus A320, A330/A340, Boeing 747-400 aircraft. LTP also provides manpower support to airline customers, other MROs and affiliates in the Lufthansa Technik Group.