09.Jun.2009
165th C-check gets underway at Lufthansa Technik Philippines
IN THE midst of the present economic downturn, Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP) remains optimistic. Its steadily growing reputation as a global player in the A330/A340 base maintenance market was further strengthened when it recently reached its 165th C-check.
Since its inception in the year 2000, LTP has performed 100 1-C and 2-C checks for its key customer, Philippine Airlines. The experience gained by its workforce has helped prepare LTP to welcome third party C-check customers.
In 2005, Air Mauritius entrusted three Airbus A340 aircraft to LTP for C-check, making the Port Louis-based operator LTP’s first third-party C-check customer. Rising demand for the aforesaid maintenance service led to the construction of the fifth bay within LTP, which saw completion during the last quarter of 2007.
The continuing success may be well attributed to LTP’s specialization in the Airbus A330/A340 aircraft type. Maintaining its focus on the aircraft type has enabled LTP to develop its expertise and continually reduce turnaround time (TAT).
The conscious effort to deliver quality service on time and the ability to adapt to change and different situations has further cemented the customers’ trust in LTP. Bernd Meyer, LTP’s Vice President for Aircraft Overhaul stresses, “Our biggest strength lies in our flexibility. We are able to modify our work package on a short notice. We have a very close customer relationship during the layover here. We have, of course, highly skilled and motivated flexible personnel.”
Expanding the product coverage has given LTP more business opportunities and experience in this field of expertise. Dirk Petereit, LTP’s Business Development Manager and Sales Executive cites, “After having penetrated the A330 and A340 market, we also started performing C-checks on the A320 family in 2007 for external customers. This was a great opportunity for us to expand our product portfolio in the Airbus family. Our organization has basically seen all major modifications before, so there is really a small chance of surprises. Planning stability is very important in the aircraft industry and I think we can effectively deliver this with our experience.” LTP sees it vital to provide full-scope solutions to its customers with today’s heightened competition in the MRO industry by seriously investigating further A320 maintenance services. Aside from this, full integration of IT systems with the customers’ is currently in the works. “Customers can now stock on LTP materials, even critical aircraft components. Due to this collaboration with our customers, reduced turnaround time can be ensured,” adds Petereit.
The global economy’s present situation is putting the MRO industry into a rapid chain reaction—the cost pressure being experienced by airline operators are being passed on to MRO companies. LTP is not an exemption but even with this economic condition, Meyer shares with optimism, “I am convinced that we have initiated measures that have prepared us for this crisis and have been enabling us to support our customers to cut costs through process improvement and reduced TATs.“
Today, India’s GoAir and Russia’s Vladivostok Air join Philippine Airlines, Air Mauritius, Virgin Atlantic Airways, and Qantas/Jetstar as operators, which send aircraft to LTP for C-checks.
LTP has recently completed Cchecks for Air Mauritius and Air Tahiti Nui, while A320 aircraft from GoAir and Vladivostok Air await completion.
For Petereit, LTP’s strong market position, reliable turnaround times at competitive pricing, and penetration into the A320 market can withstand the test of time. He stressed, “We are working in an industry where quality and safety are number one priorities. These are factors in the workplace that cannot be jeopardized. This is what Lufthansa Technik stands for.”