Lufthansa Technik is setting up an engine nacelle maintenance centre in Dubai as the company expands its regional business.

The first stage of the new facility is due to open early next year and will comprise a spares store and repair shop where engineers, flown in from Germany, can work on nacelle components from Middle Eastern customers on an ad hoc basis.

The site is to be built up for basic overhaul of General Electric GE90 engine nacelles by mid-2012. However, full overhaul will not be possible for the time being, as the facility will not be equipped for all necessary repairs, such as composite repairs which would require an autoclave.

With Riyadh-based NAS Holding, LHT arranged to mutually offer maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to other Saudi Arabian operators. Since last year, the two companies have been co-operating for the setup of NAS Tech, which focuses on maintenance and "smaller" overhauls, according to LHT. The German firm provides engine and component support for Nas Air's fleet.

Emirates extended its existing landing gear MRO contract for Boeing 777 and Airbus A340-300 (centre main landing gear only) aircraft to other components on the carrier's 777, A330 and A340 fleets with a non-exclusive five-year agreement.

Abu Dhabi-based cargo carrier Maximus Air has extended its existing total component support contract from previously two A300-600s to the five-strong fleet until 2016. LHT will also undertake A- and C-checks on the aircraft in Leipzig and Brussels, and provide line maintenance throughout Europe.

Source: Flight Daily News