Lufthansa Technik Engine Services (LTES) is significantly expanding its engine support capacity in Tulsa, Oklahoma, nearly doubling its engine services operations and further strengthening its presence in the Americas. The expansion increases the number of work bays from 28 to 46 to support V2500, CFM56‑5B/7B, Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8/8C and GTF engines. In addition, a dedicated module shop is planned to further broaden the service portfolio.

With this expansion, LTES increases its footprint, enhancing capacity and technical capabilities to enable more efficient and flexible support for customers in the Americas. The new module shop will streamline internal processes, reduce turnaround times and further improve LTES’s ability to meet the growing market demand. The entire project is expected to create over 100 new jobs by 2030.

Tulsa is a key hub in the Lufthansa Technik network

Formerly known as BizJet International, the Tulsa site has specialized in engine overhauls and in-field maintenance services for Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8/8C engines used in corporate jets. Today, the site continues to support Tay engines. At the same time, the facility has evolved into a central hub for Lufthansa Technik’s Mobile Engine Services (MES) network, providing services for V2500, CFM56-5B/7B and GTF engines and operating one of the most advanced fully digital test cells. The Mobile Engine Services network delivers surgical strike repairs, also called quick turn events, that reduce both costs and turnaround times for operators.

“Our Mobile Engine Services network is a key differentiator for Lufthansa Technik, enabling rapid on-wing and in-shop solutions that help our customers maximize fleet availability,” says Harald Gloy, Chief Operations Officer of Lufthansa Technik. “By nearly doubling our capacity in Tulsa, we are strengthening a critical part of our engine services network and enhancing our ability to support operators across the Americas. At the same time, we are investing in our people, developing the skills and expertise needed to deliver the quality and reliability our customers expect. Together with our new engine facility in Calgary and our strong, well-established presence in Montreal, Tulsa plays a key role in expanding Lufthansa Technik’s engine services footprint in the Americas.”

Dual-training program for long-term talent development

As part of its expansion, LTES has developed a dual-training program to secure long-term talent development and support sustainable growth. Launched in early 2025, the program combines hands‑on technical training with structured theoretical education. The full program takes approximately 18 months to complete, and successful participants test to earn the FAA powerplant certificate upon completion. To date, 24 employees have enrolled in the program and ten candidates have earned their certificates. The training initiative helps address the shortage of powerplant technicians while reinforcing LTES’s commitment to workforce excellence and operational quality.

“The expansion in Tulsa increases our capacity and brings a proven element of our German heritage to the U.S.: the dual education system. By combining hands-on experience with structured training, we develop the skilled engine technicians needed to support long-term quality and growth in the Americas. Investing in local talent is a key part of our strategy and further strengthens Tulsa as an important hub for aviation maintenance,” said Michael Scheferhoff, President and CEO of Lufthansa Technik Engine Services.

Beyond engine services, Tulsa also plays a key role within the broader Lufthansa Technik Group through the continued growth of Lufthansa Technik Component Services (LTCS). The recent expansion of LTCS in Tulsa has further strengthened the site’s broad capabilities in component maintenance and repair.

Today at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas, three leading players in business aviation have joined forces in unveiling the »nice« intelligent cabin divider, the first business jet cabin divider making use of Lufthansa Technik’s award-winning Hidden Touch technology. By seamlessly blending comprehensive touch control and content functionality into a signature design piece from F/LIST’s interiors portfolio, the »nice« intelligent cabin divider explores a potential future line and retrofit solution for Pilatus’ aircraft lineup. A collaboration agreement on the joint advancement of the technology towards series maturity was signed by the three partners during the unveiling ceremony.

The unveiled demonstrator integrates the full functionality of a 14.5-inch high-resolution OLED touchscreen directly and seamlessly into the high-quality haptic material of the cabin divider. At just the touch of a fingertip, the screen’s fully customizable digital content emerges right out of the “brushed hairline dark” surface, a mix of wooden veneer and metallic gloss. The screen thereby displays a widget-based graphical user interface featuring flight information, a moving map, PED screen mirroring as well as seat and lighting adjustment functions, to name just a few. The highlight: When no longer needed, the screen completely vanishes back into the haptic surface, leaving nothing but a high-class look and feel for the passengers’ eyes and hands.

“Following the successful integration of our first in-flight entertainment and cabin management system into the PC-24 in 2022, we have continued to explore new ways to enhance the cabin experience together with Pilatus,” stated Andrew Muirhead, Vice President Original Equipment and Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik. “This demonstrator brings together premium design and advanced technology to create a more seamless and intuitive cabin experience. Together with F/LIST, we have developed an innovative solution that integrates technology discreetly into the cabin while preserving the integrity of its design.”

“Our customers want technology that makes life on board easier while preserving the calm and comfort of their cabin. For us, luxury means intuitive, effortless interaction, with technology integrated so naturally into materials and furniture that it becomes part of the experience,” explains Anita Gradwohl, Group Director of Customer Relations and Sales for the New Aircraft Interiors business unit at F/LIST. “Achieving this requires collaboration from the very beginning, developing materials, functionality and the passenger experience together. With the »nice« intelligent cabin divider, we brought our material expertise, craftsmanship and product design into the collaboration with Lufthansa Technik and Pilatus, seamlessly integrating Hidden Touch technology into the cabin divider. The result puts the passenger first: functionality that is available when needed, within a surface that retains its aesthetic character.”

“The »nice« intelligent cabin divider combines innovative technology with the quality and understated design our customers expect,” explains André Zimmermann, Vice President of Business Aviation at Pilatus. “This collaboration allows us to explore new ways of making the cabin experience more intuitive, flexible and elegant.”

The showcased »nice« intelligent cabin divider represents the next strategic advancement of Lufthansa Technik’s Hidden Touch technology, which in 2025 won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award and has already been showcased in cabinet and foldable tray table applications. Customizable for surface appearances such as wood veneer, carbon fiber or metal, to name just a few, all control interfaces can blend seamlessly into the interior design, providing passengers with an equally intuitive yet optically and haptically sophisticated control experience. It also gives interior designers entirely new degrees of freedom.

The demonstrator of the »nice« intelligent cabin divider is on display at Lufthansa Technik’s booth #4145 at NBAA-BACE until October 22.

A Discover Airlines Airbus A330 has become the world’s first Airbus to enter regular scheduled service following a large-scale AeroSHARK modification. This marks a new milestone for the surface technology developed by Lufthansa Technik and Surventis. The long-haul aircraft, registered as D-AIKP, completed its inaugural flight to Florida last Thursday.

AeroSHARK is a special transparent surface film with a fine grooved structure modeled on sharkskin. Applied to the aircraft’s fuselage and engine nacelles, it reduces aerodynamic drag in flight. This can lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by around one percent.

The A330 was equipped with AeroSHARK at Dresden Airport in late August. The aircraft then completed a series of extensive test flights. Analysis of the data collected during those flights confirmed that the technology can be used safely and reliably in flight operations.

“With D-AIKP, we have not only added our first AeroSHARK-equipped aircraft to the fleet, but also reached an important milestone: For the first time ever, an Airbus with AeroSHARK modification is operating in regular scheduled service. We are very proud of this achievement, together with our colleagues and partners both within and outside the Lufthansa Group. We are delighted that the ‘Discover Airlines Shark’ will carry our guests to their vacation destinations in the future,” says Sascha Unterbarnscheidt, Chief Operating Officer at Discover Airlines.

AeroSHARK is supported by Mastercard in the current project phase. As part of a strategic partnership between Mastercard and the Lufthansa Group, both companies are jointly driving innovations intended to contribute to more efficient and more sustainable aviation.

Lufthansa Technik has completed two leadership transitions within its global base maintenance network. Blanca Burgos has been appointed Managing Director of Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico, while Johannes Rotter has taken over as Managing Director of Lufthansa Technik Budapest.

Blanca Burgos has been serving as Managing Director of Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico since September, leading the company based in Aguadilla. She joined Lufthansa Technik from FEAM Aero, where she was Director of Account Management. With more than 30 years of experience in MRO operations, she has held technical and leadership positions at Delta Air Lines and FEAM Aero. Blanca Burgos succeeds Joerg Speri, who joined Austrian Airlines as Vice President Technical Division.

Johannes Rotter assumed the role of Managing Director of Lufthansa Technik Budapest in August. He previously spent more than 20 years with Austrian Airlines, most recently as Head of Maintenance. Throughout his career, he has led numerous Operational Excellence and digitalization initiatives and developed extensive expertise in aircraft maintenance, engineering and international project management. Johannes Rotter succeeds Thoralf Wagner, who took on the role of Head of Technical Fleet Management at SWISS.

“With Blanca Burgos leading our operations in Puerto Rico, we will continue to sharpen our focus on the evolving needs of customers across the Americas, expand our FAA capabilities and strengthen our presence in the region,” said Marcus Motschenbacher, Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Aircraft Maintenance Services at Lufthansa Technik. “In Budapest, Johannes Rotter will build on the facility’s strong foundation, further enhance operational performance and maintain the exceptional standards of quality and customer service our customers expect. Their leadership will further strengthen and advance our global base maintenance network.”

Uzbekistan Airways and Lufthansa Technik have signed a long-term agreement for comprehensive component support services covering the carrier’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A320ceo/neo fleets through 2035. The new contract further strengthens a partnership that has successfully spanned more than three decades.

Under the agreement, Lufthansa Technik will provide extensive component pool support and supply services for Uzbekistan Airways’ fleet, ensuring rapid access to spare parts and helping maintain high operational reliability and aircraft availability across the airline’s network. The long-term collaboration reflects Lufthansa Technik’s commitment to supporting the airline’s continued expansion and modernization strategy over the next decade.

“Over the past three decades, Lufthansa Technik has proven to be a reliable and trusted partner for Uzbekistan Airways. As demand for air travel continues to grow and Uzbekistan further expands its role as an aviation hub in Central Asia, this agreement provides important support for our fleet modernization and expansion plans. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration and building on the success of our partnership,” said Shukhrat Khudaykulov, the Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Airways.

“This agreement reflects the exceptional partnership we have built with Uzbekistan Airways over more than 30 years. Extending our collaboration until 2035 is a strong testament to the mutual trust and fruitful cooperation between our companies. We are proud to continue supporting the airline’s Boeing 787 and Airbus A320 fleets as Uzbekistan Airways advances its growth and modernization strategy. Lufthansa Technik remains fully committed to delivering the reliability, expertise and long-term support required for the airline’s continued success,” said Dr. Christian Leifeld, Chief Financial Officer of Lufthansa Technik.

A three-decade partnership

Since the airline added its first Airbus A310-300 to its fleet in 1993, Uzbekistan Airways and Lufthansa Technik have maintained a trusted relationship, built on mutual reliability, technical expertise, and shared commitment to operational excellence. Over the past three decades, Lufthansa Technik has supported the airline’s evolving fleet and operational requirements, helping it to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality services across its network.

As Uzbekistan Airways continues to pursue its fleet renewal and growth strategy, the airline is investing in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to meet increasing demand and further strengthen connectivity between Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region.

The AeroSHARK “shark skin” is coming to Airbus aircraft: An A330 from Discover Airlines will be the first Airbus aircraft worldwide to be equipped with the innovative technology. Initially for flight testing - Lufthansa Technik entered the final phase of supplemental type certification for its drag-reducing surface film on the Airbus A330-200 and -300 at the end of August. Before and after the modification at Elbe Flugzeugwerke in Dresden, the long-haul jet from Discover Airlines undergoes test flights over several weeks.

AeroSHARK is supported by Mastercard in the current project phase. As part of a strategic partnership between Mastercard and the Lufthansa Group, both companies are jointly driving innovations intended to contribute to more efficient and more sustainable aviation.

Working together for greater efficiency in long-haul travel

Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer Lufthansa Group, says: “AeroSHARK is an excellent example of how innovations from the Lufthansa Group can make concrete contributions to greater efficiency and lower emissions. With the planned certification for the Airbus A330ceo, we are tapping into the potential of another significant portion of the global long-haul fleets. The innovation alliance between Lufthansa Technik, Discover Airlines, and Mastercard demonstrates once again how strong partners can drive progress together.”

The AeroSHARK technology, developed by Lufthansa Technik and Surventis (formerly BASF Coatings), is based on the structure of shark skin. The special surface film, modeled after nature, reduces drag during flight, thereby lowering fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. AeroSHARK is the only so-called riblet technology on the market approved for commercial aviation - currently certified for the Boeing 777F, the B777-300ER, and the B777-200ER. Following its certification for the Boeing 777, the certification process is now focused on the Airbus A330 - the world’s second-most-delivered long-haul aircraft model, which will continue to shape existing fleets for many years to come.

Plans to expand to additional aircraft models and aircraft surfaces

Every modification to an aircraft must meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance. The path to certification is correspondingly demanding: it requires technical expertise, operational resources, and robust financing. For the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for AeroSHARK on the A330-300 and -200, Lufthansa Technik is undergoing the relevant process with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. This includes extensive technical documentation, ground and flight tests, as well as final in-service validation during flight operations.

In addition to the certification currently being sought for the A330ceo, Lufthansa Technik and Surventis are also working to expand the next generation of AeroSHARK material to additional aircraft surfaces - such as wings and tail surfaces. This could double the potential savings. See the press release from July 30, 2026.

Harald Gloy will become the new CEO of Lufthansa Technik AG. He will succeed Soeren Stark, who is retiring, effective February 1, 2027. The company’s Supervisory Board today appointed the 54-year-old graduate engineer to lead the global market leader in aircraft maintenance services for a five-year term. He has been a member of the company’s Executive Board since 2022, serving as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

After completing his studies in Berlin and the United States, Harald Gloy (54) began his career at Lufthansa Technik more than 25 years ago as a graduate engineer. Through numerous leadership roles in logistics, corporate strategy, aircraft and—later—engine overhaul, and subsequently as head of the components business, he gained a comprehensive understanding of the company. In January 2019, Harald Gloy joined the Executive Board of Lufthansa Cargo AG as Chief Operating Officer (COO), and from 2021 onward, he also served as Chief Human Resources Officer and Director of Labor Relations (“Arbeitsdirektor”). He then returned to Lufthansa Technik in 2022 as a member of the Executive Board. As Chief Operating Officer (COO) and “Accountable Manager,” he is responsible for all operational processes and IT for the company. In addition, he took over responsibility for human resources as Director of Labor Relations on the Executive Board of Lufthansa Technik for three years until 2025.

“Soeren Stark has made an outstanding contribution to Lufthansa Technik and the Lufthansa Group over many years. The Supervisory Board is grateful to him for his leadership, under which Lufthansa Technik has set a clear strategic course, strengthened its customer relations and delivered significant growth. As Soeren will continue to lead the company until Harald takes office on February 1, 2027, I look forward to working closely with both of them to ensure continuity and a smooth transition,” Grazia Vittadini added.

Soeren Stark (59) has been Chairman of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Technik AG since 2022, having been appointed to the company’s Executive Board as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Accountable Manager in 2019. After completing his studies in Berlin and Paris and holding initial positions at consulting and industrial firms, the graduate in industrial engineering began his career with the Lufthansa Group in 2001 as plant manager of the catering company LSG Sky Chefs at Frankfurt Airport and, starting in 2004, developed Lufthansa Technik Logistik Services as its managing director. As head of aircraft overhaul at Lufthansa Technik, he drove forward the integration and unified management of the international overhaul sites, as well as the expansion of the global network. In 2016, he was appointed to the Executive Board of Lufthansa Cargo as COO, before returning to Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg three years later.

A decision on Harald Gloy’s successor as COO on the Executive Board will be made as soon as possible.

As Lufthansa Technik celebrates 70 years of vocational training this year, a new personal chapter is beginning for many young people. With the start of the 2026 training and academic year, the company welcomes 287 new apprentices and dual students across its German locations. Demand remained high this year, enabling all available positions to be filled. This once again highlights the attractiveness of Lufthansa Technik’s training programs and the long-term prospects of technical careers in aviation.

For seven decades, Lufthansa Technik has trained young professionals and supported thousands of skilled workers as they launched their careers. Training remains a key pillar of workforce development and an important contribution to the future of aviation. The new apprentices and dual students will begin careers in technical, logistics, and commercial professions, as well as in academic programs, among other things, helping shape innovative solutions for the aviation industry of tomorrow.

“Seventy years of training at Lufthansa Technik represent generations of young people who have contributed to our success story with their knowledge, dedication, and passion. The fact that so many young people have once again chosen an apprenticeship or dual study program with our company in this anniversary year demonstrates the continued attractiveness of the career opportunities at Lufthansa Technik. The future of aviation begins where new talent takes its first professional steps,” said Dr. Janna Schumacher, Chief Human Resources Officer of Lufthansa Technik.

At the same time, the company is already looking ahead: Applications for the 2027 intake are now open. Interested high school students can learn more about the wide range of apprenticeship and dual study opportunities at Lufthansa Technik and apply directly at: https://lufthansagroup.careers/en/lufthansa-technik/student/apprenticeship

70 years of training at Lufthansa Technik

Training has a long tradition at Lufthansa Technik. The company’s first 40 apprentices began their careers in Hamburg in 1956. Since then, thousands of young people have started their professional journeys with Lufthansa Technik, many of whom today work as experts, managers, or trainers within the company. The evolution of its training programs reflects the transformation of the aviation industry itself, from the early days of aircraft engine mechanics and radio technicians to today’s modern technical and commercial professions.

The new apprentices are spread across more than a dozen different occupations. Training continues to focus primarily on technical professions, particularly in aircraft maintenance, engine maintenance, electronics, and production technology. These programs are complemented by opportunities in logistics, IT, and commercial disciplines, as well as in dual study programs.

New trainees by location

• Hamburg (training start: 1 August and 10 August, respectively)
  With 220 new trainees, Hamburg remains the center of vocational training within the Lufthansa Technik Group. Of these, 191 are apprentices and 29 are dual students. The new talents are pursuing careers in technical, logistic, and commercial professions, as well as in degree programs focused on aviation, engineering, and computer science.
  
  The Hamburg intake also includes eight apprentices at Lufthansa Technik Logistik Services and one apprentice training as an Electronics Technician for Devices and Systems at the subsidiary Avionic Design.
   
• Frankfurt (training start: 3 August)
  A total of 26 new trainees are beginning their careers in Frankfurt, including 16 at Lufthansa Technik AG and ten at Lufthansa Technik Logistik Services.
   
• Munich (training start: 10 August)
  In Munich, Lufthansa Technik Logistik Services is welcoming two aspiring logistics specialists into its apprenticeship program.
   
• Alzey (training start: 3 August)
  Lufthansa Technik AERO Alzey welcomes a new class of 20 trainees. Most of them will specialize in engine maintenance technology, while others will begin careers in office administration, IT, and logistics.
   
• Arnstadt (training start: 1 September)
  At N3 Engine Overhaul Services, the joint venture in Arnstadt, 19 new trainees are beginning their careers in aviation. Training focuses primarily on engine maintenance technology, as well as additional logistics-related professions.

Lufthansa Technik Philippines, the joint venture between Lufthansa Technik and MacroAsia Corporation, broke ground this Thursday on its new base maintenance facility at Clark International Airport. The center for widebody maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services will be built on a 157,000-square-meter site, complementing the company’s long-standing presence in Manila, around 100 kilometers away from Clark. Backed by an investment in the three-digit-million-dollar range, it is scheduled to begin operations in 2028 and expected to create around 1,200 highly skilled jobs.

As one of the major aviation infrastructure projects in Clark, the facility will significantly expand Lufthansa Technik Philippines’ base maintenance capacity and will include, among other features, a paint shop and workshops for non-destructive testing. During construction and ramp-up, the company will draw on its technical expertise and proven processes established at its facility at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, where it has successfully provided comprehensive MRO services for more than 25 years.

With both facilities, Lufthansa Technik Philippines is well positioned to meet the growing demand from airline customers across the globe. As Lufthansa Technik’s competence center for widebody aircraft within its worldwide network, Lufthansa Technik Philippines specializes in the MRO of Airbus A330, A340 and A380 as well as Boeing 777 aircraft. With the additional facility in Clark, the company intends to add the Airbus A350 and the Boeing 787 to its portfolio.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, which Lufthansa Technik Philippines celebrated together with project partners as well as representatives from politics and business, Soeren Stark, CEO of Lufthansa Technik and Chairman of the Board of Lufthansa Technik Philippines, stated: “Lufthansa Technik is significantly expanding its footprint across the Asia-Pacific region and around the globe. Given the future potential of the MRO market, building a second site in the Philippines is one of the consequences of our growth strategy. It is the right step at the right time – we are creating the capacity today that commercial airlines will need by tomorrow at the latest. Our new facility in Clark will play a crucial role in the aviation industry, both in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific market and beyond.”

Holger Beck, President and CEO of Lufthansa Technik Philippines, added: “This investment is about much more than a new facility. It is a commitment to the next 25 years, and hopefully, many more. It reflects our confidence in the Philippines, in the talent of the Filipino people, and in the strong partnerships we have developed and nurtured over the last decades. On the occasion of today’s milestone, I would like to express my sincere thanks to our partners, customers and employees, and everyone supporting Lufthansa Technik Philippines on its path of growth.“

Lufthansa Technik successfully remains resilient in the first half of 2026 in a market environment that remained strong but became increasingly volatile. High global demand for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, combined with the company’s broad portfolio, contributed to a positive business performance. At the same time, Lufthansa Technik continued its investment strategy and further strengthened its position as the world’s leading provider of technical aircraft services through new customer agreements and facility expansions.

With revenue of 4.4 billion euros (+11 percent) and Adjusted EBIT of 315 million euros (+2 percent), Lufthansa Technik once again achieved a strong result in the first half of the year. Business with external customers increased by 21 percent and accounted for 78 percent of total revenue (prior-year period: 72 percent). However, operational performance continued to be shaped by cost pressure and market volatility. As a result, the margin declined to 7.1 percent (down 0.7 percentage points compared with the prior-year period).

External factors weighed particularly on performance in the second quarter. In addition to the effects of the Middle East crisis, which led to reduced demand for certain MRO services due to lower flight hours and postponed shop visits, operational performance was also affected by the weakening of the U.S. dollar compared with the previous year, as well as ongoing material shortages and delivery delays among aircraft, engine and component manufacturers and suppliers. Despite these headwinds, Lufthansa Technik was able to achieve a result slightly above prior-year level, supported by new customer contracts, consistent cost management and a one-time effect resulting from an insurance compensation payment.

“Demand for our services remains strong overall. At the same time, we are experiencing greater volatility in shop visits and less predictability than we did just a few years ago. This makes our close partnership with customers more important than ever. Through this customer focus and our ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions, Lufthansa Technik remains resilient and successful, even in a challenging market environment,” said Dr. Christian Leifeld, Chief Financial Officer of Lufthansa Technik.

Investments lay the foundation for profitable growth

Lufthansa Technik continues to pursue its long-term investment strategy consistently. An important milestone was the groundbreaking for the new production facility in Portugal, where the company will significantly increase its capacity for the repair of engine parts and aircraft components through an investment of several hundred million euros. The future site in Santa Maria da Feira, near Porto, is expected to create up to 700 highly skilled jobs.

In Asia, Lufthansa Technik is also continuing its growth trajectory and further reinforcing its presence in one of the world’s most dynamic aviation markets. With its new site in Clark, Philippines, the company is creating approximately 1,200 new jobs and additional capacity for widebody aircraft overhaul services.

In addition, Lufthansa Technik further developed its defense business. By taking on support services for the Boeing P-8A Poseidon, Lufthansa Technik Defense reached an important milestone in April and added technical support for maritime patrol aircraft to its portfolio. The ongoing support of the German Armed Forces’ largest airborne weapons system further strengthens the company’s role in the growing military MRO market.

“Our investments follow a clear objective: we want to grow profitably and create additional capacity where our customers will need it in the future. At the same time, we are continuing to advance our technological capabilities, whether in Europe, Asia, the Americas, or the growing defense sector,” explained Christian Leifeld.

On the customer side, Lufthansa Technik further deepened its cooperation with international partners. This includes, in particular, the agreement to provide Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) support for Air India’s Airbus A350 fleet, further expanding its footprint in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.

Stable outlook for the full year

Despite the more challenging market environment, Lufthansa Technik continues to expect business performance for the full year to be clearly above the prior-year level. Sustained strong demand, long-term customer contracts, the expansion of its global production network, and disciplined cost management provide a solid foundation for this outlook.

Investments in infrastructure and capacity go hand in hand with investments in people. At the end of the first half of 2026, Lufthansa Technik employed 22,983 people worldwide.

“Especially in an environment characterized by strong demand, rising costs, and increasing market dynamics, we cannot focus solely on the present. The decisions we make today will determine our competitiveness tomorrow. That is why we continue to invest consistently in infrastructure, digitalization, sustainability, and talent. These investments create the foundation for long-term success and strengthen Lufthansa Technik’s resilience,” emphasized Christian Leifeld.

An Airbus A319 of Lufthansa City Airlines will become the world’s first test aircraft for a new generation of fuel-efficient AeroSHARK technology. On the short-haul aircraft with the registration number “D-ABGK,” Lufthansa Technik, in collaboration with its development partner Surventis (formerly BASF Coatings), will test approximately 70 transparent film patches, each measuring 20 x 20 centimeters, through February 2027. These material samples are attached to selected areas on the sides of the fuselage as well as on the inside and outside of the engine cowlings. Their performance will be analyzed over the next few months during regular flight operations between Munich and Hamburg and is expected to provide insights for the further development of the AeroSHARK technology. The long-term goal is to tap into additional efficiency potential in flight operations through the broader use of AeroSHARK, thereby contributing to greater sustainability in air travel.

For passengers aboard the Lufthansa City Airlines aircraft bearing the name of the city “Starnberg,” the test remains virtually invisible. The material is transparent and hardly noticeable to the eye. Flight operations also remain unchanged. For informational purposes, a welcome panel featuring the AeroSHARK design at the aircraft’s entrance draws the attention of interested travelers to the test.

The patch test: Research meets real-world flight operations

To date, the fuel-saving AeroSHARK film has been used on the fuselage and engine cowlings of long-haul aircraft certified for this technology. With their current research and development work, Lufthansa Technik and Surventis are now taking an important step forward. Together, they are developing the next-generation material, which could also be used on wings as well as horizontal and vertical stabilizers in the future. These areas are exposed to higher aerodynamic loads.

With the test run that has now begun, various new AeroSHARK material samples are being evaluated under real-world conditions. The 70 test patches differ in terms of their material and layer composition. The goal of the study is to identify the material that combines the highest durability with easy application, straightforward cleaning, and residue-free removal. Lufthansa Technik conducts regular material inspections during regular ground time in Hamburg.

Inspired by nature

To date, AeroSHARK is the only riblet technology approved for commercial aviation. It consists of a specially developed surface film with microscopically fine grooved structures modeled after shark skin. The skin of sharks features fine grooves aligned with the direction of flow - known as riblets - which reduce frictional drag and improve flow characteristics in water. AeroSHARK applies this effect to aviation: The functional surface film features riblets only about 50 micrometers high, precisely aligned with the airflow. It is applied to an aircraft’s fuselage and engine cowlings and reduces aerodynamic drag during flight. The technology reduces fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions on every flight—currently by about 1 percent.

22 Lufthansa Group long-haul aircraft have already been equipped with AeroSHARK

As of July 2026, the Lufthansa Group has already equipped 22 aircraft with AeroSHARK: SWISS’s entire fleet of Boeing 777-300ERs (twelve aircraft), five Boeing 777Fs from Lufthansa Cargo, four Boeing 777-200ERs from Austrian Airlines, and one Boeing 747-400 from Lufthansa. As a result, the Lufthansa Group’s AeroSHARK fleet saves 19 metric tonnes of fuel and 60 metric tonnes of CO₂ daily. AeroSHARK is also gaining traction across the industry: Airlines outside the Lufthansa Group are also already using this innovative film to increase the fuel efficiency of their long-haul aircraft.

Safran Landing Systems and Lufthansa Technik signed a 10-year Support and Services Agreement (SSA) at the Farnborough International Airshow for Airbus A320 family, A330, A340 and A350 landing gear and hydraulic equipment. This long-term partnership is the result of several years of collaboration between the two companies to address current and future maintenance needs.

Under this SSA, Safran Landing Systems will provide Lufthansa Technik with comprehensive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) support for its worldwide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations including the supply of certified spare parts, advanced technical and engineering assistance and access to updated maintenance documentation for all covered aircraft programs. Safran Landing Systems and Lufthansa Technik will work together, combining their specialized knowledge to optimize maintenance planning, component repairs, and strengthen operational continuity across their global network.

In addition, the agreement will specifically support the development of A350 MRO activities at Lufthansa Technik Landing Gear Services UK in London, giving Lufthansa Technik direct access to the latest data and repair solutions from the OEM, Safran Landing Systems. Likewise, this SSA will ensure continued full support for legacy aircraft A320 family, A330 and A340 at the landing gear facilities of Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg.

Berit Plewinsky, Vice President Aircraft Component Services at Lufthansa Technik said: “This Support and Services Agreement exemplifies the best of our MRO world: combining the specialized knowledge and skills of the Lufthansa Technik Landing Gear network with the OEM Safran Landing Systems in order to jointly serve our customers and ensure that market volume and demands are met with the highest professional standard.”

“This agreement reflects the trust built between our companies over several years of collaboration,” added Darren Waite, Executive Vice President, Customer Support & Services at Safran Landing Systems. “Through this partnership, Safran Landing Systems will provide Lufthansa Technik with OEM expertise, reliable spare parts and technical support to help maintain and enhance Airbus fleets worldwide.”

Boeing and Lufthansa Technik Defense have agreed general terms for their roles in sustaining Germany’s new CH-47F Block II Chinook heavy-lift helicopters. The agreement signed at the Farnborough International Airshow this Wednesday forms the base for the future sustainment for Germany’s Chinook fleet and establishes the framework for a main contract under which Lufthansa Technik, together with Boeing, will set up an agile network of parts warehouses to support the operating bases for the CH-47Fs.

“This agreement marks an important step forward in ensuring sustained readiness of the German CH-47F Chinook fleet across different bases,” said Torbjorn “Turbo” Sjogren, Vice President & General Manager, Boeing Global Services – Government Services. “By combining Boeing’s sustainment expertise with Lufthansa Technik’s logistics and MRO capabilities, we will establish a resilient solution to maximize aircraft availability.”

Through its subsidiary Lufthansa Technik Logistik Services, Lufthansa Technik brings decades of experience in time-critical spare parts logistics; Boeing and Lufthansa Technik will combine that logistics expertise with Boeing’s platform knowledge to deliver tailored parts provisioning, transport and warehousing for the German Armed Forces. It is also intended that Lufthansa Technik will manage the supply of Consumables and Expendables (C&E) for the German Chinooks.

“This agreement is a significant milestone, making the Chinook the first ever rotary-wing aircraft to join Lufthansa Technik's MRO portfolio. With our tailored parts logistics expertise, we will make a significant contribution to ensuring the high level of operational readiness that is essential for the sovereign German sustainment of the U.S.-procured Chinook fleet,” said Michael von Puttkamer, Senior Vice President Special Aircraft & Defense at Lufthansa Technik. “The resilience of the parts supply chain is key to this endeavor, and with our industry-leading logistics concepts, we are confident that we can reduce spare-parts-related downtime to a minimum.”

The CH-47F agreement represents a further collaboration between Boeing and Lufthansa Technik Defense on technical sustainment for German military assets procured through the U.S. foreign military sales program. In autumn 2025, Boeing and Lufthansa Technik Defense signed a comprehensive sustainment services program for the German Navy’s P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. Spanning aircraft checks, component support and engine condition monitoring through to technical training and qualification, that program demonstrates how the two companies together contribute to the technical availability and mission readiness of Germany’s largest airborne weapon systems.

This Tuesday, Unison, a GE Aerospace company and leading provider of advanced aerospace systems and components, announced a 15-year partnership with Lufthansa Technik, the world’s leading manufacturer-independent provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. The collaboration is designed to enhance aftermarket support for in-service CFM LEAP-powered fleets.

Under the agreement, Lufthansa Technik will become the exclusive Unison-authorized provider in Europe of MRO services for the ignition systems of CFM International LEAP-1A, LEAP-1B and LEAP-1C* engines. Lufthansa Technik will provide these services for CFM LEAP ignition system components, including exciters and leads, at its component facilities in Hamburg, Germany. Unison will supply genuine OEM parts and required technical data, and Lufthansa Technik will be authorized to administer warranty for components serviced at its facility.

The partnership expands Unison’s aftermarket support network in the region, giving LEAP operators a unique OEM-authorized MRO option for ignition system support in Europe. While the companies will collaborate under this agreement, Unison and Lufthansa Technik will continue to operate independently and compete globally for repair and overhaul work.

“This agreement underscores our commitment to strengthening the aftermarket network our customers depend on for reliability, responsiveness and long-term fleet support,” said Kranthi Tata, President and CEO of Unison. “By working with Lufthansa Technik, we are strengthening the regional MRO network for LEAP ignition systems and expanding the service capabilities available to operators in Europe.”

“Lufthansa Technik, with more than 50 years of experience within aircraft ignition systems across all major aircraft platforms, is proud to partner with Unison,” said Henning Linnekogel, Senior Director OEM Partner Management of Lufthansa Technik. “With our experience, repair development skills, and our passion for parts, we are the perfect match to Unison’s product line.”

The announcement also reflects Unison’s broader aftermarket growth strategy and Lufthansa Technik’s commitment to offering comprehensive MRO services for new engine types. The agreement highlights how Unison and Lufthansa Technik are combining product expertise with a growing global aftermarket network to support customers across the lifecycle of in-service fleets.

_{* LEAP engines are a product of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.}

Cebu Pacific and Lufthansa Technik are further broadening their already extensive cooperation in the field of engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). A new contract recently signed in Manila encompasses 18 additional shop events of CFM56-5Bs, the powerplants of Cebu Pacific’s Airbus A320ceo family fleet. The agreement concludes the airline’s final MRO tender for its legacy narrowbody engines, as it continues its transition to the A320neo family with latest-generation propulsion systems.

The new contract has a duration of three years, over which Cebu Pacific will entrust the powerplants to Lufthansa Technik’s renowned engine shops in Hamburg, Germany and Dublin, Ireland. In these locations, they will receive comprehensive sustainment services up to complete overhauls. The first CFM56-5B covered by the new agreement is expected to arrive in Dublin already by the end of the month.

“At Cebu Pacific, maintaining the highest standards of airworthiness, safety and operational performance is paramount, while ensuring the efficient management of our maintenance costs. As we continue to expand our fleet, we seek partners who share our commitment to excellence and embrace a culture of innovation, agility and continuous improvement. Our long-standing and successful relationship with Lufthansa Technik has consistently reflected these values,” said Mike Szucs, Chief Executive Officer at Cebu Pacific. “We view Lufthansa Technik as far more than an MRO provider. They are a strategic partner that understands our business, supports our objectives, and helps enable our ambitious growth plans. We are delighted to build on this outstanding partnership and embark on the next chapter of our journey together.”

“Securing our third engine contract with Cebu Pacific is a milestone we are especially proud of – a true ‘hat-trick’ that reflects our remarkable team effort,” stated Dennis Kohr, Senior Vice President Corporate Sales Asia-Pacific at Lufthansa Technik. “Writing this next chapter together with Cebu Pacific as one of our long-time partners in the Asia-Pacific region, is a privilege and fills me and my team with pride and joy. As always, we look forward to once again justifying their renewed trust with best-in-class services.”

Lufthansa Technik and Cebu Pacific already enjoy a trustful business relationship. In the more than ten years of their continuous cooperation, the field of technical services has significantly broadened. For example, the airline is a long-standing customer for Base Maintenance Services at Lufthansa Technik Philippines in Manila. Recent service agreements moreover comprised the fleet-wide supply with Consumables and Expendables, specialized repairs for Airframe Related Components, Cyclean engine washes and tailored Aircraft Transition Services. Last but not least, Cebu Pacific already makes extensive use of Lufthansa Technik’s Digital Tech Ops Ecosystem, for example with the AMOS maintenance and engineering software and flydocs for their digital asset management.

This Monday, Lufthansa Technik marked a key milestone by officially breaking ground on its 55,000-square-meter facility in Santa Maria da Feira, south of Porto. Lufthansa Technik Portugal, founded in 2024, will create up to 700 new jobs in the aviation industry over the coming years. Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro highlighted the project’s value for the country at the groundbreaking ceremony, alongside representatives from politics, business and partner organizations.

The Portuguese Prime Minister said: “We are here for the benefit of the country, promoting a development strategy alongside our partners, Lufthansa Technik and Lufthansa Group. We are the primary stakeholders in ensuring the longevity of this partnership. I am confident that we will reinforce our political, economic, and working relationship with Germany.”

The new facility of Lufthansa Technik Portugal, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lufthansa Technik, is dedicated to the repair of engine parts and aircraft components. As part of the Lufthansa Group, Lufthansa Technik is the world’s leading provider of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. With its three-digit million-euro investment in Portugal, the company will further expand its capabilities and strengthen its global network. Start of operations is expected in 2028.

Carsten Spohr, CEO Lufthansa Group, stated: “Today’s groundbreaking in Santa Maria da Feira is a visible and powerful symbol of what the Lufthansa Group stands for in Portugal: a reliable, long-term industrial partner. For more than 70 years, we have been present in this country. With this investment by Lufthansa Technik, we are creating 700 highly skilled jobs and positioning Portugal as a cornerstone of European aviation maintenance. Portugal has become one of the most strategically important locations for our Group beyond our home markets, and this facility reflects the confidence we place in Portuguese talent, capabilities, and ambition. This depth of commitment across industry and innovation also underpins our strong interest in TAP Air Portugal as a natural extension of the partnership with Portugal we have been building for decades – with the country serving as Europe’s gateway to South America, Africa and the Portuguese-speaking world.”

The groundbreaking marks a visible milestone for the Lufthansa Group in Portugal within a broader industrial vision. This investment extends well beyond a single facility, spanning maintenance excellence, a new TravelTech and AI Hub in Northern Portugal and a new Portuguese entity of help alliance, the aid organization of the Lufthansa Group, Associação help alliance Portugal. It is the first time a help alliance organization has been founded outside of Germany in Europe, underscoring the social commitment of the Lufthansa Group in the home market. The Group’s engagement in Portugal reflects a multi-dimensional approach: today, seven Lufthansa Group airline brands (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Edelweiss, Eurowings and Discover Airlines) operate 353 weekly flights to the Portuguese destinations Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira and the Azores. With more than 500 employees already working across the Lufthansa Group’s entities in Portugal, and a combined ambition to create in total more than 1,000 direct jobs across various businesses in the years ahead, the Lufthansa Group is establishing one of its most significant employment platforms outside its home markets.

Harald Gloy, Chief Operations Officer of Lufthansa Technik, commented at the event: “Lufthansa Technik has big plans and strong ambitions, and Portugal will be a key pillar of our continued growth and long-term success. With this new facility in Santa Maria da Feira, we will put a key part of our strategy into action and build a site that will play an important role in the aviation industry. Establishing Lufthansa Technik Portugal here was only possible due to the close and trusted partnership we have built with Portuguese policymakers. Therefore, I would like to sincerely thank the Government, the trade and investment agency AICEP and the City of Santa Maria da Feira for their strong support and shared commitment. Today’s groundbreaking marks the start of an exciting chapter and clearly demonstrates what can be achieved when the right partners work closely together with a common purpose.”

During the event, Lufthansa Technik Portugal and AICEP (Agência para o Investimento e Comércio Externo de Portugal) also signed their final agreement on investment incentives for economic development – further underscoring AICEP’s strong support, which has been instrumental in making the construction of the new facility possible.

Madalena Oliveira e Silva, Chairwoman and CEO of AICEP, said: “The investment contract being signed today represents one of the most significant aerospace projects ever supported by AICEP. By creating 700 highly qualified jobs and bringing cutting-edge capabilities to Portugal, this investment will reinforce the country’s position as a leading aviation and MRO hub in Europe. We are proud to have been side by side with Lufthansa Technik throughout this process and look forward to supporting the company’s continued growth and success in Portugal. The groundbreaking ceremony of Lufthansa Technik’s new facility in Santa Maria da Feira marks an important milestone for Portugal’s aerospace industry and a strong vote of confidence in the country.”

Also Amadeu Albergaria, the Mayor of Santa Maria da Feira, has closely supported the project since its inception in 2024 and stated in his speech: “The groundbreaking ceremony of Lufthansa Technik is a milestone in the recent history of Santa Maria da Feira and a source of particular pride for me, both as a citizen and as Mayor of Santa Maria da Feira. This structural investment opens a new chapter for our region, bringing more industry, more skilled jobs, more development, and greater international recognition.”

Torsten Raabe, Managing Director of Lufthansa Technik Portugal, added: “Standing here today to celebrate the groundbreaking of Lufthansa Technik Portugal is deeply meaningful to me personally, and it is a tribute to the entire team that has worked so hard to bring us to this point and lay the foundation for what lies ahead. It is great to see what we have already achieved together and how we will keep building on it in the years to come. We will create something truly significant for Lufthansa Technik Portugal and for everyone who joins us on this journey.”

Lufthansa Technik Philippines, the joint venture between Lufthansa Technik and the MacroAsia Corporation, is significantly expanding its footprint in the Philippines with a new base maintenance facility at Clark International Airport. The announcement was made today during the state visit of German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who met with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace in Manila. Both heads of state acknowledged the project as a milestone in German-Philippine economic cooperation.

The new site will span 157,000 square meters and is intended to offer capacity for up to nine widebody aircraft bays. Over the coming years, the three-digit million-dollar investment will create around 1,200 highly skilled jobs. First operations are scheduled to commence in 2028. The facility in Clark will be Lufthansa Technik’s second location in the Philippines and will complement operations at the long-standing site at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, where the company has been present for more than 25 years and recently secured a long-term lease extension. Together, both locations will form a powerful hub for widebody aircraft MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) and strengthen Lufthansa Technik’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, together with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., commended the project at Malacañan Palace during his state visit to the Philippines today, before touring the Lufthansa Technik Philippines facility in Manila.

Soeren Stark, CEO of Lufthansa Technik, who welcomed German Federal President Steinmeier at Lufthansa Technik Philippines, stated: “Asia-Pacific is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, and the Philippines are central to our strategy in this region. With the investment in the new site in Clark, we are taking the next decisive step in our growth strategy and positioning Lufthansa Technik for the future of aviation – well beyond the borders of this region.”

Holger Beck, CEO of Lufthansa Technik Philippines, said during German Federal President Steinmeier’s facility visit: “With the new base maintenance location in Clark, we are making a significant investment in the Philippines and substantially expanding Lufthansa Technik’s network in the country and across the Asia-Pacific region. Our sites in Manila and Clark will complement each other as two strong pillars of our growth, and together they mark an exciting new chapter for Lufthansa Technik Philippines. It is an honor that President Marcos Jr. and Federal President Steinmeier recognized this commitment during their meeting today. Welcoming Federal President Steinmeier to our facility in Manila is a particular pleasure, as he could experience firsthand the exceptional work of our highly skilled aviation experts.”

The expansion of Lufthansa Technik Philippines underscores the long-term commitment of Lufthansa Technik, the world’s leading provider of technical aircraft services, to the Philippines as a strategic hub. With both facilities, the company is well positioned to meet growing demand from its airline customers across Asia, Australia, Europe and the Middle East. As Lufthansa Technik’s competence center for widebody aircraft within its worldwide network, Lufthansa Technik Philippines specializes in the MRO of Airbus A330, A340, A350 and A380 as well as Boeing 777 aircraft. With the additional Clark facility, the company’s portfolio will also include the Boeing 787.

Air India and Lufthansa Technik have recently concluded a multi-year contract covering the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of the Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) of the Indian carrier’s growing Airbus A350 fleet. Under the agreement, comprehensive technical support will exclusively be provided for 40 Honeywell HGT1700 APUs, strengthening Lufthansa Technik’s leading position in maintenance for this APU type. All services will be carried out in the company’s specialized APU workshops in Hamburg, Germany.

As an official authorized warranty and maintenance provider for the Honeywell HGT1700 APU – designed exclusively for the Airbus A350 – Lufthansa Technik brings extensive technical expertise and certified capabilities to ensure optimal reliability and performance. The cooperation includes a comprehensive MRO service portfolio, covering spare APU support as well as engineering services.

Jeremy Yew Jin Kit, Senior Vice President, Engineering and Maintenance at Air India, said: “The signing of this exclusive long-term agreement marks another important milestone in Air India’s growing partnership with Lufthansa Technik. As India’s first Airbus A350 operator, we require a maintenance partner with extensive technical expertise and a strong track record in supporting next-generation aircraft systems. Lufthansa Technik’s capabilities in maintaining HGT1700 APUs provide us with the confidence and reliability needed to support our expanding A350 operations. Together with our ongoing Boeing 777 component support program, this agreement further reinforces our strong collaboration.”

Johanna Koch, Vice President Corporate Sales Asia Pacific at Lufthansa Technik, commented: “We would like to thank Air India once again for their trust and for awarding Lufthansa Technik to provide APU maintenance services. Having delivered exceptional component support on Air India’s Boeing 777 fleet, we are delighted to further expand our collaboration to include the Airbus A350 fleet. As Air India continues its transformation journey, we are proud to be a trusted partner at their side.”

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency, EASA, authorizes Lufthansa Technik to approve “major changes” to aircraft, their engines and components within a clearly defined scope on their own. The recognition of the “Certain STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) Privilege” underlines EASA’s confidence in the reliably high level of quality that Lufthansa Technik’s engineers achieve every day to keep more than 5,100 aircraft flying around the globe.

With receipt of the “Certain STC Privilege”, the Design Organisation has reached a major milestone. The privilege applies to recurring engineering solutions for which the Design Organisation has already frequently obtained STCs and demonstrated to manage similarity of design and repetitiveness of certification within an agreed and continuously monitored framework.

The scope of this privilege applies to cabin conversions for the A320ceo family. It allows Lufthansa Technik to approve recurring cabin layout changes—such as seat reconfigurations, relocation of galleys or lavatories, and repositioning of class dividers—without individual EASA approval. This substantially shortens approval timelines, reduces the number of stakeholders, minimizes idle time, and lowers project risk.

"After a long period of trustful cooperation with Lufthansa Technik, we are confident in granting the ‘Certain STC Privilege’. Now we have another Design Organisation on board to gain experience in approving major changes”, says Alain Leroy, Acting Certification Director at EASA.

“The ‘Certain STC Privilege’ is a major milestone for our Design Organisation and Lufthansa Technik. It allows us to significantly speed up the approval process, save precious time and avoid unnecessary costs. Our design engineers already have a range of recurring major changes in mind for which we can achieve a Certain STC to further streamline our processes and services,” says Harald Gloy, COO of Lufthansa Technik.

“The privilege allows us to clearly differentiate between routine projects we can handle independently and those requiring close EASA involvement,” adds Dr. Uwe Schueler, VP Design Organisation at Lufthansa Technik. “We expect certification cost savings of up to 20 percent.”

Design Organisation looks back on more than 50 pioneering years

The Design Organisation forms the backbone of Lufthansa Technik. Every modification to an aircraft or engine requires meticulous design and certification under stringent aviation regulations. Certified by the German Federal Aviation Authority in 1973 and operating under EASA oversight since 2004, Lufthansa Technik's Design Organisation has upheld this responsibility for over five decades. This Part-21J capability has been the catalyst for countless innovations, turning customer visions into certified solutions that propel the aviation sector forward.

Today, the Design Organisation comprises nearly 700 design, compliance verification, and certification engineers across twelve Lufthansa Technik Group locations worldwide.

What is an STC?
While aircraft and engine manufacturers (OEMs) receive a type certificate for their products from EASA, all other Design Organisations such as Lufthansa Technik must obtain an STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) for each major design change to an aircraft or engine. The “Certain STC Privilege” authorizes Lufthansa Technik to independently certify such changes, provided they fall within the approved scope of Certain STCs.

Lufthansa Technik and Airbus have entered a technical collaboration to develop and certify the application of AeroSHARK riblet technology on the wings and stabilizers of the Airbus A330ceo. The cooperation aims to achieve the first-ever commercial certification of riblet technology on an Airbus A330 wing and tailplane, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of drag‑reducing technologies for commercial aviation.

Building on the ongoing STC certification of AeroSHARK for the Airbus A330ceo fuselage and engine nacelles, Lufthansa Technik is now extending the technology to the aircraft wings and horizontal and vertical stabilizers with the support of Airbus. The project focuses on the technical feasibility and certification of AeroSHARK on the aforementioned surfaces of the A330ceo. Following successful validation and approval by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the solution is intended to be commercialized. Lufthansa Technik will hold the STC and lead the certification activities. Lufthansa Technik’s Engineering will be responsible for the overall certification concept and execution and will be supported by Airbus’ Engineering through the provision of key aircraft type data and safety assessments.

From a technical perspective, the certification program will comprehensively assess the impact of riblet application on flight dynamics, lightning strike protection, structural loads, maintenance aspects and all relevant aircraft systems, including flight control, autopilot and navigation systems.

The wing and tailplane application is intended to complement AeroSHARK coverage on the fuselage and engine nacelles, which is being developed separately by Lufthansa Technik and BASF Coatings. When applied to all relevant aerodynamic surfaces, fuel savings for a fully modified A330ceo are expected to exceed two percent on typical long‑haul missions, offering airlines a meaningful reduction in operating costs and CO₂ emissions.

Airbus’ participation reflects the manufacturer’s engagement in supporting innovative decarbonization solutions across its in‑service fleet and enabling new technologies through close technical cooperation. By extending AeroSHARK to additional aerodynamic surfaces, Lufthansa Technik aims to unlock the full potential of riblet technology and contribute to more efficient long‑haul operations for one of the world’s most widely used wide‑body aircraft.

“With the support of Airbus, we are developing a product solution that could contribute to the industry’s decarbonisation goals,” said Henning Linnekogel, Senior Director OEM Partner Management at Lufthansa Technik . “Combining our modification and certification expertise with Airbus’ in‑depth aircraft knowledge allows us to pave the way for a completely new application of riblet technology on the A330ceo.”

“AeroSHARK has already demonstrated how powerful biomimetic surface technology can be in reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions in commercial aviation”, explained Andrew Muirhead, Vice President OEM and Special Engineering Services at Lufthansa Technik. “As our goal is to support as many airlines as possible in achieving their sustainability targets, we are continuously evolving AeroSHARK – by certifying it for additional aircraft types such as the A330ceo and by expanding its application to even larger and more aerodynamically relevant surfaces.”

The functional film imitates the special characteristics of sharkskin, reducing aerodynamic drag through its riblet structure. The principle of drag reduction through riblets has been scientifically recognized for decades. Lufthansa Technik and BASF Coatings have successfully applied this principle for the harsh conditions of daily airline operations, making AeroSHARK the only certified solution for commercial aviation by now. To date, large-scale AeroSHARK modifications have been applied to 30 Boeing 777 aircraft of several airlines and one Lufthansa Boeing 747, which served as a testbed. The number is steadily growing, demonstrating the riblet film’s efficiency in daily operations. As of April 2026, AeroSHARK-modified aircraft have accumulated over 350,000 flight hours, saving more than 20,600 metric tons of jet fuel and reducing CO₂ emissions by over 65,000 metric tons.

Lufthansa Technik continued its growth course in the first quarter of 2026, but had a somewhat more moderate than expected start of the fiscal year with regard to its earnings performance. Revenue rose to 2.3 billion euros in the first three months (+12 percent compared to the same period last year), underscoring the high global demand for technical aircraft services. The share of revenue from customers outside the Lufthansa Group grew from 73 to 78 percent. However, the global market leader in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) continues to face challenges concerning its margin development.

Adjusted EBIT for the first quarter was 158 million euros (-2 percent), the margin declined accordingly from 8.0 to 7.0 percent. The main reasons for the ongoing challenges are the continuing material shortages, particularly for engine maintenance, increased material costs, and a U.S. dollar exchange rate that is less favorable for Lufthansa Technik than in the previous year. “We are sticking to our long-term plan and are once again investing hundreds of million euros this year in our future. We therefore have corresponding high expectations for our earnings. However, industry-wide material shortages and price increases pose a daily challenge for us,” says Dr. Christian Leifeld, Chief Financial Officer of Lufthansa Technik.

In addition, the company – like the entire aviation industry – is closely monitoring the crisis in the Middle East. “The extent to which this will affect our MRO business obviously depends largely on how long the conflict lasts and how it impacts our customers. So far, the crisis has not had a significant impact on our results. However, we are seeing the first airlines reduce their flight capacity. This, in turn, could dampen our growth and profit momentum, at least temporarily,” says Christian Leifeld. “We are therefore considering various scenarios and taking precautions for the factors we can control. Internal cost discipline is at the top of our agenda, with our strong customer focus remaining unchanged.”

Meanwhile, Lufthansa Technik continues to drive forward the planned development and expansion of new and existing locations. The opening of a new state-of-the-art production facility for the repair and overhaul of aircraft components in Tulsa (Oklahoma, USA) was celebrated a few weeks ago. At the new location in Santa Maria da Feira, south of Porto (Portugal), groundbreaking for the 55,000-square-meter facility – which will service aircraft components and engine parts – is set to take place shortly. 700 jobs are expected to be created there. Preparations for the construction of a new facility are also underway in Calgary, Canada, where a new engine shop is being built for Mobile Engine Services. Initial work is already being performed at interim sites in both Portugal and Canada.

At the expanding European center of excellence for base maintenance services on wide-body aircraft in Malta, Lufthansa Technik recently completed the first cabin modification on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Meanwhile, the South American LATAM Airlines Group decided to equip even more of its aircraft with AeroSHARK, the nature-inspired solution for reducing drag, which was developed by Lufthansa Technik and BASF Coatings. There was also good news from Asia last quarter: With the Juneyao Group, Lufthansa Technik signed its largest-ever contract for engine services in China.

An important step for the German locations was the recent conclusion of a new collective bargaining agreement for Lufthansa Group ground staff. Moreover, the so-called “Zukunftstarif” (Future Agreement)  includes additional provisions that benefit production employees at Lufthansa Technik. These measures enhance the attractiveness of the jobs and strengthen the company’s competitiveness in the labor market.

Lufthansa Technik Portugal is driving the growth of the newly established company: With the appointment of experienced industry leader Torsten Raabe as Managing Director, the achievement of EASA Part-145 certification, and the opening of a second training and maintenance hall, the wholly owned subsidiary of Lufthansa Technik is achieving important milestones while preparing for the construction of its new site. In the coming weeks, Lufthansa Technik Portugal will break ground on its 55,000-square-meter facility in Santa Maria da Feira, south of Porto, creating approximately 700 jobs over the coming years.

As the new Managing Director, Torsten Raabe has nearly three decades of experience within the Lufthansa Technik Group. He started his career in the logistics division and has since held management positions across various segments, including serving as CEO of Lufthansa Technik Sofia.

Raabe starts his new role with good news: Lufthansa Technik Portugal has achieved a significant milestone with its official certification as an EASA Part-145 approved location. This approval marks the transition from training activities to certified maintenance work on real aircraft components. The first approved component category is coffee makers, and the first units have just arrived. Further approvals are expected in the coming months.

The current location of Lufthansa Technik Portugal in the “Perm” industrial park is situated just a few kilometers from the site where the company’s new facility will become operational. The temporary location  now comprises three buildings: a training center for theoretical lessons and two halls for practical training and first operational work. The second hall has recently been opened, expanding the available space by 2,000 square meters. The newly opened building is used for training in the inspection and repair of engine parts, as well as preparation for work on composite engine components – activities that are essential to qualify the teams for the expanded scope of work that lies ahead.

Workforce grows to 75 employees

The expansion of infrastructure goes hand in hand with a growing team. Lufthansa Technik Portugal now employs 75 people across various positions, a clear sign of the company’s dynamic development. Additional positions are currently open. Among others, the company is actively seeking mechatronic technicians, who will be responsible for troubleshooting, inspecting, and repairing aircraft components while working with complex technical systems.

“I am truly impressed by the progress my predecessor and the entire team have achieved, from obtaining our EASA Part-145 certification to expanding our infrastructure and building a highly skilled workforce. This is a tremendous motivation for everything that lies ahead of us. I am honored to take on the exciting role as Managing Director and to lead Lufthansa Technik Portugal at such a pivotal moment,” said Torsten Raabe.