Lufthansa Technik has added KM Malta Airlines, the newly established national carrier of the Maltese Islands, to its growing list of LEAP-1A service customers.
Under a long-term agreement spanning the next 9.5 years, Lufthansa Technik will provide repair and overhaul services for the LEAP-1A engines powering the airline’s Airbus A320neo fleet.
At present, Lufthansa Technik is conducting two quick turn (QT) services for KM Malta Airlines. Since the LEAP-1A engines are still early in their lifecycle and not yet due for full overhauls, these QT visits focus on addressing specific technical issues that cause early engine removals. Common tasks include replacing stage 1 blades or high-pressure turbine shrouds.
These targeted repairs allow engines to be swiftly returned to service, ensuring the aircraft remains operational until a full overhaul is needed.
KM Malta Airlines is headquartered in Luqa and replaced its predecessor Air Malta on March 31, 2024. The airline serves destinations around Europe from its hub at Malta International Airport.
Zeljko Pejovic, director of technical operations at KM Malta Airlines, said: “We are excited to enter into this long-term partnership with Lufthansa Technik, a trusted name in aviation maintenance. Their expertise with LEAP-1A engines ensures not only the safety and reliability of our fleet but also supports our commitment to operational excellence.
“Together, we look forward to building a strong and lasting relationship that will help us maintain the highest standards of safety for our passengers.”
Kai-Stefan Roepke, senior vice president of corporate sales Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Lufthansa Technik, said: “As the first MRO provider worldwide, we not only hold the CFM Branded Service Agreement for both the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines, but we have also built extensive experience with these engines over the past years, from which KM Malta Airlines will benefit.”
Lufthansa Technik has already completed more than 60 LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B events, including the world’s first Performance Restoration of a LEAP-1A engine.
The announcement was made during Aviation Week’s MRO Europe 2024 event in Barcelona.
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