Lufthansa Technik to construct aircraft overhaul site in Puerto Rico for short/medium-haul aircraft

Lufthansa Technik and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico announce an agreement to create a new aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul

(“MRO”) facility in Puerto Rico, which will service short-haul and medium-haul aircraft. Agreements to this effect have now been signed with the government of Puerto Rico and the responsible port authority and the company plans to start work in the next three months on the construction of the new facility.

This is a major new step for Lufthansa Technik to expand its involvement in America. The new company, Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico (LTPR), will be based at Rafael Hernández International Airport in Aguadilla, a former U.S. Air Force Base located on the northwest of the Island. The company will employ up to 400 workers and run a total of five overhaul lines. Initially it will operate two lines for Airbus A320 C-checks and D-checks.

The first layover is due to take place in 2015. Leader of the project is Elmar Lutter, who currently holds the position of managing Director at the European overhaul facility Lufthansa Technik Budapest.

“We are very grateful to establish with our partner a new overhaul facility in Puerto Rico. Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico will be an important element in the long-term strategy of Lufthansa Technik’s presence in the American market,” says August Wilhelm Henningsen, CEO of Lufthansa Technik.

“This exciting partnership with Lufthansa Technik will create hundreds of high-skilled jobs and will be a cornerstone of the aviation industry we are developing in Puerto Rico,” says Alejandro García Padilla, Governor of Puerto Rico. “With its decision to locate this facility in Puerto Rico, Lufthansa Technik joins a growing list of international companies that are investing in Puerto Rico in recognition of our favorable business climate and geographical advantages.”

“What companies like Lufthansa are realizing is there has never been a better time to invest in the United States,” says U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker. “With assistance from our SelectUSA team, we were able to assist communities in Puerto Rico that are ready for investment, and - across the globe - help a great company, Lufthansa, invest in the United States. By helping build strong partnerships like this one, we are able to create jobs, spur economic growth, and promote American competitiveness around the world.”

Lufthansa Technik has already the firm commitments of two major American launching customers for overhauls at the new site. One is JetBlue Airways. “This is very exciting news for Lufthansa Technik, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and for JetBlue as well,” says JetBlue CEO Dave Barger. “As the largest airline serving the people of Puerto Rico, we are honored to support and endorse Lufthansa Technik’s plans to build a heavy maintenance base in Aguadilla, and we are very happy to be one of the first airlines to be serviced there when it opens.”

Puerto Rico has a high potential of motivated and well-trained aircraft mechanics and engineers. A dedicated technical school is currently training 100 people in these skills. In addition Lufthansa Technik is committed to training additional personnel through its subsidiary, Lufthansa Technical Training, in partnership with the University of Puerto Rico and the Commonwealth’s Department of Education.