Lufthansa Technik and Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline flyadeal strengthen APIP partnership
Exclusive five-year contract extends/expands Aircraft Production Inspection Program
Scope grows from 20 to another 51 A320s and adds ten A330neos, with options for ten more
Lufthansa Technik and flyadeal, Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing low-cost airline, have renewed their Aircraft Production Inspection Program (APIP) cooperation with an exclusive five-year contract. The agreement, signed at the MRO Middle East in Dubai, now covers the airline’s new 51 Airbus A320 and ten Airbus A330neos, with an option for ten additional widebodies. The deliveries of these aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2027. This represents a major expansion from the original APIP partnership that began in 2021, underscoring the growing trust between the leading provider of technical aircraft services and the Jeddah-based low-cost carrier.
Under the new contract, Lufthansa Technik will continue to perform its APIP services – a modular product designed to scrutinize the entire aircraft production process. Covering everything from the very first inspection of sub-assemblies through to the final assembly and acceptance of the aircraft, the program ensures the highest quality standards for flyadeal’s growing fleet. To deliver on this commitment, experts of Lufthansa Technik are stationed directly at the aircraft manufacturer in Toulouse and Hamburg and accompany the process on-site.
As part of the Saudia Group, flyadeal is a key partner for Lufthansa Technik in a region with exceptional growth potential. The airline commenced its operations in 2017 and has since established itself as a leading low-cost carrier in Saudi Arabia. The two companies have been working together since the airline’s first day of operations with Lufthansa Technik providing Aircraft Engineering Services for flyadeal. Furthermore, the MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) provider has performed several base maintenance events for the airline’s A320 family fleet. Beyond these services, flyadeal also relies on several of Lufthansa Technik’s Digital Tech Ops Ecosystem solutions.
Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: “Lufthansa Technik has supported flyadeal from the very beginning of our operations, and their expertise has been instrumental to our continued growth. Across all areas of our collaboration, they have delivered solid standards of quality and reliability. As we continue to scale up our fleet, we are pleased to extend this long-standing partnership working with Lufthansa Technik as a trusted partner supporting flyadeal’s ongoing expansion.”
Kai Roepke, Vice President Corporate Sales Europe, Middle East and Africa at Lufthansa Technik, added: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with flyadeal, a relationship that has been built on trust and mutual success since 2017. Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector holds exceptional potential, and the new agreement highlights our commitment to supporting the country’s dynamic aviation sector. We are proud to continue supporting flyadeal’s ambitious growth in the years to come.”
About flyadeal:
flyadeal began operations in September 2017 with its historic maiden flight from Jeddah to Riyadh. A pioneer and innovator, flyadeal was the first regional low-cost airline to be launched only across digital distribution channels. Being the sister airline of full-service national carrier Saudia - both under the umbrella ownership of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation (Saudia Group) - flyadeal aims to stimulate travel, tourism and trade with its affordable, value for money everyday fares catering to leisure, religious, family and business travellers. Simplicity is key with an all-Economy Class cabin across flyadeal's fleet. With the Kingdom undergoing dramatic transformation through its Vision 2030 economic diversification drive, aviation and tourism are among the many sectors earmarked for dynamic growth. Today, flyadeal is one of the youngest and fastest growing low-cost airlines in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Middle East operating a young fleet of over 40 Airbus A320 family aircraft flying from bases in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah to more than 30 seasonal and year-round destinations across Saudi Arabia with a growing international footprint in Europe, Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.
About Lufthansa Technik:
The Lufthansa Technik Group is one of the leading providers of technical aircraft services in the world. Certified internationally as maintenance, production and design organization, the company employs more than 22,000 people in dozens of locations around the globe. Lufthansa Technik offers the full range of services for commercial, VIP and special mission aircraft. The portfolio includes maintenance, repair, overhaul and modification of airframes, engines, components and landing gears, as well as the manufacture of innovative cabin products and digital fleet support.