Etihad Airways and Lufthansa Technik have elevated their long-standing relationship into a comprehensive, strategic Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) partnership. Announced at the Dubai Airshow, the multi-faceted agreement spans component support, landing gear services, production oversight, and digital solutions.
A core element is a Total Component Support contract for Etihad’s entire Airbus A320 family fleet, granting the airline direct access to Lufthansa Technik’s global spare parts pool. This is designed to boost aircraft availability and generate significant cost savings, backed by 24/7 support and a dedicated on-site manager in Abu Dhabi.
The partnership also covers specialized maintenance for Etihad’s Airbus A380 landing gear at a UK facility and production inspections for new Boeing 787 deliveries in Charleston. Furthermore, Lufthansa Technik will provide engineering services to support Etihad’s technical operations.
In a digital leap, Etihad has become the launch customer for a new AVIATAR module that monitors APU usage and cabin temperature in real-time. This tool aims to optimize cooling processes and reduce fuel consumption across the fleet.
“This partnership is a milestone for our fleet readiness and operational resilience,” said Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Etihad’s Chief Operations and Guest Officer. “Combining Lufthansa Technik’s expertise with digital innovation will enhance our efficiency and safety.”
Dr. Christian Leifeld, CFO of Lufthansa Technik, highlighted the shared commitment to innovation: “We are proud to intensify this cooperation, especially in the fast-evolving digital field.”
The new agreements build on an existing foundation, as the companies have previously collaborated on services for Boeing 777 landing gear and digital MRO solutions from the AVIATAR platform.
