Lufthansa Technik reports that its Special Aircraft Services unit is experiencing continued high demand for technical services for VIP, government and business aircraft. The company says it has an “excellent workload” for the next few years, with only a few customer slots still available.
Michael von Puttkamer, VP of Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik, commented: “Our Special Aircraft Services business was one of the few areas of Lufthansa Technik that was not affected by the massive pandemic-related impact on international aviation in recent years. The extensive technical support provided to VIP, government and business aircraft during the crisis period was a central pillar of the company’s economic recovery over the past 12 months.”
He added that, “It is all the more important that the high level of demand continues in the coming years. Our current order situation is one of the best in the company’s history. We have therefore already taken various measures in recent months, such as adding more staff, to adjust our structures and processes so that we can handle all projects to the absolute satisfaction of our customers despite high capacity utilisation.”
The high level of orders relates not only completions of new aircraft cabin installations, but also to the corresponding modification and maintenance services. Lufthansa Technik has also boosted its order book by providing technical services for military customers, such as the German Air Force, and the air forces of other Western nations.
In both areas the company has identified ‘very good growth opportunities’ for the next few years, for example in the field of security products, which are currently experiencing increased demand, especially from government customers. Lufthansa Technik has also established a new business unit, Defense Programs, to further strengthen its activities with military customers.
Wieland Timm, head of sales for VIP & Special Mission Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik, stated, “No other provider in this particular business segment can offer such a range of services from a single source for both the entire Boeing and the entire Airbus family in the areas of cabin, airframe and engines. This is because we offer not only technical services, but also comprehensive engineering and design capabilities, as our latest ‘Explorer’ VIP cabin concept clearly demonstrates. Our international network and mobile maintenance services also help us to be as close to the customer as possible.”
In 2021, as part of a restructuring, Lufthansa Technik reorganised its Original Equipment and Special Aircraft Services (OES) division as one of a total of five major business segments. OES combines all competencies in the areas of cabin completions and conversions, cabin products and maintenance services. As a result, VIP and special mission customers can be served from a single source, from individual production to series production of cabin products designed by Lufthansa Technik, such as in-flight entertainment and cabin management systems, as well as special engineering services.
