Lufthansa Technik Aero Alzey Adds Production Capacity

Lufthansa Technik Aero Alzey (LTAA), a specialist in the maintenance of turbofan and turboprop engines for regional airlines, has added 16,100 ft.² of production capacity at its site in Alzey, Germany.

A wholly owned subsidiary of German MRO giant Lufthansa Technik, LTAA inaugurated the hangar on Sept. 15. The new building spans three levels and will serve as a temporary storage space for engine parts and large tools to improve the processing of engine overhauls on-site.

LTAA specializes in CF34-1, -3, -8, -10 and Passport 20 series engines manufactured by General Electric. It also has a line comprised of PW100 and PW150 engines made by Pratt & Whitney Canada. Five years ago, it added full capability for the PW1500G engine, which powers Airbus A220 aircraft.

Matthias Gruber, CEO of LTAA, says that the addition of this new space marks an important milestone in their path toward future growth. “Despite the challenges faced over the past three years, including the recent crisis, we have managed to retain a significant portion of our highly skilled workforce. We are thus well positioned to serve the high demands of the market and to continue a course of growth,” he says.

At the site, located around 45 mi. southwest of Frankfurt, LTAA currently employs around 600 skilled workers—100 fewer than before the COVID-19 crisis. Gruber adds: "We are aiming for a gradual return to pre-crisis staffing levels. However, further staff expansion depends on future strategic decisions."

Among these future strategies is LTAA venturing into advanced technologies. The company plans to bring more outsourced services in-house and is investing in a waterjet system to help the removal of coatings from engine parts on-site. LTAA says this technology is more resource-efficient compared to traditional chemical stripping and mechanical methods.

It is also eyeing further physical expansions, with a new logistics facility planned to be built close to its site over the next few years.