Lufthansa Technik, Malaysia Airlines Negotiate Maintenance JV

Lufthansa Technik and Malaysia Aviation Group Berhad have signed a tentative agreement in Kuala Lumpur on a strategic partnership framework for a joint venture (JV) to establish a regional maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility, the German company announced Wednesday. The MRO facility, expected to open in 2017, would operate alongside Malaysia Airlines’ existing facilities at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and provide service for Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s.

According to Lufthansa Technik, the JV would introduce advanced technical capabilities for base maintenance services and best practices in operations, creating a center of excellence for the region.

“We are excited about the tangible benefits of the JV. Lufthansa Technik is one of the global leaders in MRO services, and the level of skill, expertise and technological transfer will be invaluable, both for us and for Malaysia.” said Malaysia Airlines CEO Christoph Mueller.

“Once this new joint venture becomes true, we will extend significantly our MRO capabilities in one of the most emerging markets worldwide,” added Lufthansa Technik CEO Johannes Bussmann. “With Malaysia Airlines at our side we will have a strong regional partner to create a real success story with this new business.” 

The formation of the JV remains subject to approvals from regulatory authorities and the signing of definitive agreements.