Lufthansa Technik : India’s MRO volume gaining weight in Asia

SP’s Airbuz (SP’s): In view of the current global downturn, what future do you see in Asia?

Walter Heerdt (Heerdt): Asia is densely populated and has an increasing economical strength. This requires transportation of people and goods—in other words, a good market for aviation. The present downturn will have only a temporary effect. However, one cannot foresee how long this will last.

SP’s: In Asia, what are the services being offered by your company? Which country has the larger share of the pie?

Heerdt: Lufthansa Technik has numerous customers in Asia and also on the Indian subcontinent. Among others, these are Kingfisher, Jet Airways and Indian Airlines. The maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) volume of the Indian market persistently gains weight in Asia. We offer a full assortment of MRO services through our worldwide group network. We have 29 MRO facilities around the world. Among these, we have two in China, one in the Philippines and one in Malaysia.

SP’s: What activities are you involved with in India? What are your views on the civil aviation scenario in the country?

Heerdt: Lufthansa Technik has a strong commitment towards the Indian market and has established considerable customer base in the country. In addition, we have the company Lufthansa Technik India Services located in Bangalore. The company provides regional supply of aircraft components for Indian customers and customer service. Further, it offers airframe related components lease, technical training and logistics. The company will expand its services in the region as the market demands.

As already mentioned, we expect the Indian civil aviation market to grow further, even though we might see a period of reduced growth or even stagnation during the financial crisis. In the medium term, it will return to growth.

SP’s: What is the relation between Lufthansa Technik and Lufthansa Airlines?

Heerdt: Lufthansa Technik is a 100 per cent daughter company of Lufthansa Airlines. It has been founded in 1995 after the restructuring of the entire Lufthansa Aviation Group. Today, it has 29 subsidiaries and affiliates, it has 26,000 employees and generates an annual turnover of approximately 5 billion € (Rs 24,520 crore).

SP’s: What does Total Technical Support (TTS^®) signify?

Heerdt: Airlines are finding it more and more important to concentrate on their core business, which is flying aircraft, thus earning revenue whilst maximizing yields. TTS^® enables the airline customer to do just that. A combination of all services related to MRO, TTS^® includes, but is not limited to, line maintenance, customised maintenance planning, troubleshooting, engineering services, repair and overhaul of aircraft, engines and components (including Inflight Entertainment Systems), spareparts pooling, spare engine leasing, painting, cabin modifications, Airline Support Teams (AST^®), logistics and training. It is a flexible service package that is configured to fit the specific wishes and requirements of the airline customer. The customer can select what suits his needs best. The services are offered on a power-by-the-hour basis. This assures customers the full service range at precisely predictable cost.

SP’s: Briefly trace Lufthansa Technik’s company profile.

Heerdt: Lufthansa Technik is an approved MRO facility; it is approved as a design agency and even holds a manufacturer approval. The company offers innovative products for commercial and VVIP aircraft and invests in latest technology, besides holding a most modern product portfolio. Recently, capabilities have been developed for Airbus A380, Boeing 747-8, Boeing 787 and Embraer Regional Jets.