en.Wedoany.com Reported - Lufthansa Technik has broken ground on a new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal, marking a key step in the company's European expansion strategy and strengthening the Lufthansa Group's industrial presence in the country.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on June 29, 2026. The facility, with a planned building area of 55,000 square meters, is one of Lufthansa Technik's largest industrial investment projects in recent years and is expected to create approximately 700 highly skilled jobs. The new base focuses on the repair of aircraft components and engine parts and is scheduled to begin operations in 2028. Lufthansa Technik stated that the facility is part of its long-term strategy to address sustained market demand and expand global MRO capacity.
The company chose Portugal primarily for its skilled aerospace workforce, political stability, and strategic geographic location within the European Union. This investment further enriches Lufthansa Technik's European maintenance network beyond its existing facilities in Germany and other international sites.
Alongside Lufthansa Technik's official announcement, the Lufthansa Group is competing with Air France-KLM to acquire a minority stake in TAP Air Portugal. The Portuguese government's privatization process is at a decisive stage ahead of the expected bid deadline. Lufthansa Technik noted in its official communication that this investment demonstrates the Lufthansa Group's long-term commitment to Portugal and supports its strategic interests in the country's aviation sector. Industry observers believe the new MRO facility strengthens Lufthansa's industrial footprint in Portugal and enhances its credibility as a long-term strategic partner for TAP Air Portugal.
The Santa Maria da Feira facility covers approximately 230,000 square meters, with a 55,000-square-meter industrial complex equipped with advanced technology dedicated to the maintenance of aircraft components and engine parts. This project is part of Lufthansa Technik's global expansion plan, which also includes new investments in the United States, Canada, and the Philippines, reflecting the continued growth in global demand for aircraft maintenance services.
