One of the world’s largest airline servicing firms has made a major investment into the future of aviation and aerospace internationally, and has decided to make the home for that innovation right here in Calgary.
Lufthansa Technik Canada announced on Feb. 13 that they would be establishing a maintenance and repair facility for Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion Engines at the Calgary International Airport to the tune of $120 million.
The firm is just one of five internationally certified global operators for the engines, which use 3D woven carbon fibre composites in fan blades and the fan case to be 500lbs less than similar single-aisle aircraft engines.
As a result, WestJet and Lufthansa Technik also announced an exclusive multi-year multi-billion dollar agreement to provide maintenance services for the airline’s Boeing 737 fleet—the largest deal made in WestJet’s 30 year history.
“This historic contract award will allow us to bring critical engine repair operations home to Canada and provide greater efficiency and cost certainty to a critical part of our operations, all while demonstrating our commitment to improving our competitiveness and supporting the Alberta economy. We are proud to partner with Lufthansa Technik,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer.
“This is an extraordinary moment for WestJet, our guests, WestJetters, Western Canada’s communities and our suppliers.”
Lufthansa Technik will be providing quick turnaround services in Calgary, with entire engine overhauls being performed at Lufthansa’s main facility in Germany.
“Our agreement with WestJet represents one of the largest awards ever granted to any maintenance, repair and overhaul provider for CFM LEAP engines worldwide. It’s a contract that underlines Lufthansa Technik’s leading position in the support of new generation engine types,” said Soeren Stark, CEO of Lufthansa Technik.
“At the same time, we are grateful for the strong support from our local allies in Canada, which is essential in advancing the creation of a new engine repair shop and test cell facility in Calgary.”
The facility is expected to break ground in 2025, with completion by 2027.
A total of $4.45 million is being provided through the province’s Aerospace Workforce Development Grant, to be administered by Calgary Economic Development (CED) through the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF), to provide training and employment support.
“After years of hard work and collaboration to showcase our city and build connections with industry partners, we are excited to see Lufthansa Technik land in the Blue Sky City,” said Brad Parry, CEO of CED.
“Calgary’s competitive business environment and deep talent pool position us for future growth, and the establishment of Lufthansa Technik’s Western Canada hub in our city proves what’s possible as we continue to establish ourselves as a global aerospace leader.”
Chris Dinsdale, President and CEO of the Calgary Airport Authority, said that the funding that had been provided by all levels of government and industry, including the airport authority, Canada Infrastructure Bank, PrariesCan, and OCIF, was a remarkable representation of what can be achieved for Calgary’s economy.
“By building this cutting-edge facility in Calgary, we ensure that WestJet and all Canadian airlines will have access to reliable, cost-effective and efficient maintenance services while building essential infrastructure in engineering, training and enterprise to make Calgary and Alberta a centre of aviation excellence within North America.”
“We are grateful to all our partners for making this facility a reality. It positions Calgary as a centre of strategic services and infrastructure that will support both cargo and passenger flights in and out of the region, making us a central node in the North American aviation services network.”
