German flag-carrier Lufthansa's maintenance division, Lufthansa Technik, has formally opened an operation in Switzerland to support Swiss International Air Lines aircraft and VIP-configured jets.
Lufthansa Technik Switzerland, located at Basle, will maintain Swiss' regional aircraft fleet as well as Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s with executive interiors.
The company employs around 500 engineers and technicians and its support of business aircraft will enable the organisation to retain personnel levels as work levels decrease on Swiss' BAE Systems Avro RJ fleet.
It also plans to invest in modernising the facility - which currently includes a 7,500sqm (81,000sqft) hangar - and create up to 70 more positions over the next few years.
"This modern operation with its excellent reputation as a high-quality provider will enable Lufthansa Technik to optimally meet the rise in demand for base maintenance in the European VIP market," says Lufthansa Technik chairman August Wilhelm Henningsen.
Lufthansa Technik Switzerland is led by chief executive Rainer Lindau - formerly Lufthansa CityLine maintenance head - with Jan-Hendrik Labe as chief financial officer.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
