Correspondent post courtesy of รlvaro Romero: The Ultra Low-Cost Carrier JetSMART Argentina officially presented its first (of three) Airbus A321neo, yesterday February 20 in a ceremony at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, Buenos Aires. It is also the first A321neo to be operated by an Argentina-based airline.
According to JetSMART, the A321neo will allow the company to increase in 86% the availability of domestic flight seats and in 13% on the international operations. According to Estuardo Ortiz (CEO of the airline) “in the last six months we increased our local fleet -Argentina- in 65% and that is just the beginning of our planning for this year”
The plane (Airbus A321-271NX) is registered CC-AWW (c/n 11209) and named Delfin Mular (hence the dolphin decoration in its tail). It was registered in Chile in March 2023. It has 240 seats that are covered with the environmentally friendly Eleather, which reduces fuel consumptionย by US$10,000 per year.ย
British Airways Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner G-ZBLB (msn 60638) SEA (Joe G. Walker). Image: 950817.
Brand new bars, bespoke furniture, focus pods, improved menus and local artwork all feature as part of British Airwaysโ global lounge refresh programme, which has so far been completed in Singapore, Lagos, Washington, and London Gatwick in 2024, in addition to Edinburgh, London Heathrow Terminal 5B and Heathrow Terminal 3 in 2023 Its new-look lounge in Seattle has become the latest to reopen after an extensive refurbishment, coinciding with 45 years of flying to the Emerald City The lounge features a new full-service bar, a re-designed food servery area, a dedicated First dining service and zones that make the most of the 180-degree views of the runway and mountains beyond The airline is set to make big changes across its lounges this year as part of its ยฃ7bn transformation programme including new lounges in Dubai and Miami that will feature the brand-new design concept, as well as a full redevelopment of its Heathrow lounges commencing in 2026 With a network of over 28 lounges in 20 airports, last year the airline served more than one million glasses of Champagne, the most popular dish was the British Original burger, and coffee came out top as customersโ favourite beverage British Airwaysโ Seattle lounge has opened its doors following an extensive refurbishment, becoming the latest to offer an improved pre-flight customer experience. It joins Singapore, Washington, Lagos and London Gatwick, which have all been given a new look and feel over the last nine months, following lounge refreshes in Edinburgh, London Heathrow Terminal 5B and Heathrow Terminal 3 in 2023.
The airlineโs lounge at Seattle Tacoma International Airport has been designed taking inspiration from the Pacific Northwest whilst also incorporating British design elegance. The lounge now features a completely redesigned food servery area offering a comprehensive range of hot and cold items, a dedicated ร la carte dining experience for First customers and work-friendly focus pods. A brand-new full-service bar has also been installed acting as an elegant centrepiece to the lounge and walls are adorned with textile artwork by local artists such as Hannah Mason.
British Airways also recently completed the refresh of its lounge in Singapore, with a brand-new ร la carte Concorde Dining area, bespoke British furniture, locally inspired fabrics, and newly designed menus showcasing British Original-inspired dishes. The lounge also features local artwork that celebrates Singaporeโs vibrant history and culture, and new ambient lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for travellers.
British Airwaysโ Club and First lounges at London Gatwick have also undergone full refreshes, with brand-new bars serving cocktails and beverages, new dรฉcor, and furniture, with exciting additions coming soon. The airlineโs lounges across London Heathrow Terminal 3 and 5 will be undergoing significant transformational changes commencing in 2026, as part of its global lounge redevelopment programme, with more detail to follow later this year.
British Airwaysโ Chief Customer Officer, Calum Laming, said: โWe announced our ยฃ7bn transformation programme last year and promised to improve the customer experience both on the ground and in the air. Across our global network we have 28 lounges in 20 airports that all play a huge part in our customersโ journeys, so weโre committed to offering the very best experience.
โJust like our customers and colleagues, each lounge is unique. Customers can expect to see nods to our British heritage blended seamlessly with features that celebrate the locality of the destination. Weโve worked with local designers, artists, and suppliers across the globe to ensure that each lounge has its own British Original personality โ and we canโt wait to unveil more.โ
Across the Atlantic, the airlineโs lounge at Washington Airport recently opened that includes a complete redesign of the Concorde Dining area which now benefits from the great views and a brand-new ร la carte menu. The lounge also has a revamped bar, new soft furnishings and artwork, bringing a significantly refreshed look to the space.
British Airways has more exciting updates to come this year, with the opening of its new lounge at Dubai Airport, debuting the airlineโs new design concept with exclusive features including Concorde Dining, a significantly elevated food offering, showers and a full-service bar. British Airways will also be opening a new lounge in Miami later this year, in a brand-new space conveniently located above the departure gates. Lounge refreshes in Boston and Glasgow will also commence later this year.
Last year, the airline served over one million glasses of Champagne in its lounges. The most popular dish served was the British Original burger, and coffee came out top as customersโ favourite beverage. Customers can enjoy the airlineโs largest lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5โs South Club lounge, and the best views of the runway can be seen from its London Gatwick First lounge and in Aberdeen.
Cologne/Toulouse, 21 February 2025 โ The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued the Type Certificate for the Airbus A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney GTFโข engines. This follows the certification of the CFM LEAP-1A powered A321XLR in July 2024 and paves the way for the first customer aircraft with Pratt & Whitney engines to enter into service later this year.
Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus said, “The A321XLR already displays its great versatility crossing the Atlantic in daily operations. With the certification and entry-into-service of the GTF-powered A321XLR we will see more operators introduce this game changing aircraft. It is also good news for our customersโ passengers who will benefit from the convenience of new direct city to city connections with a heightened level of cabin comfort.โ
The A321XLR sits side by side with widebodies in an airlineโs fleet. It introduces the flexibility to add capacity, to open new routes, or even to continue operating existing ones when demand is variable. This is all while burning 30% less fuel per seat than previous generation competitor aircraft. The A321XLRโs new Airspace cabin will provide passengers long haul comfort in all classes.
The first A321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022. This was followed by an extensive test programme involving three test aircraft. In 2024, the A321XLR entered into service. So far more than 500 Airbus A321XLRs have been ordered.
Delta Air Lines Airbus A321-271NX WL D-AZAI (N589DT) (msn 12417) (100 Years) XFW (Gerd Beilfuss). Image: 965012.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 20 February 2025 โ Airbus SE (stock exchange symbol: AIR) reported consolidated Full-Year (FY) 2024 financial results and provided guidance for 2025.
CEO Statement
“We achieved strong order intake across all businesses in 2024, with a book-to-bill well above 1, confirming the solid demand for our products and services. We delivered on our 2024 guidance in what was a testing year for Airbus,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. “We refocused our efforts on key priorities, notably the production ramp-up and the transformation of Defence and Space. We continue to pursue profitable growth and our decarbonisation ambition. The 2024 financial results and the level of confidence we have in our future performance support our proposal for an increased dividend.”
Order Intake and Backlog
Commercial Aircraft: Gross orders of 878 (2023: 2,319), with 826 net orders after cancellations (2023: 2,094).
Order Backlog: 8,658 commercial aircraft at year-end 2024.
Helicopters: 450 net orders (2023: 393), with a book-to-bill ratio above 1 in units and value.
Defence & Space: Order intake increased to a record โฌ16.7 billion (2023: โฌ15.7 billion), with a book-to-bill of 1.4. Notable orders included 25 additional Eurofighter jets for Spain.
Financial Performance
Consolidated Order Intake: โฌ103.5 billion (2023: โฌ186.5 billion).
Consolidated Order Book: Valued at โฌ629 billion at year-end 2024 (2023: โฌ554 billion).
Revenue Growth: โฌ69.2 billion, up 6% YoY (2023: โฌ65.4 billion).
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-8CT WL C-GWRG (msn 39071) LAS (Michael B. Ing). Image: 962226.
Codeshare will commence on 30 March 2025 in line with Virgin Atlanticโs route launch between London Heathrow Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport
Partnership will provide connections from the UK via Toronto for thirteen gateways across Canada including Calgary (YYC), Edmonton (YEG), Vancouver (YVR), Winnipeg (YWG), Ottawa (YOW), and more
The two airlines will co-locate at Toronto Pearson International Airportโs Terminal 3]
Virgin Atlantic and WestJet have announced an expanded codeshare agreement, enhancing travel connections between Canada, the UK, and key global regions, including India. This partnership will offer seamless connectivity, improving the travel experience for passengers flying between the two countries.
Key Benefits for Travelers
This partnership will make travel between Canada and the UK more convenient by:
Effortless Connections at Toronto Pearson (YYZ) โ Both airlines will be co-located at Terminal 3, allowing for smoother transfers without the need to re-check baggage for eligible passengers.
Expanded Network Access โ Customers booking through Virgin Atlantic can now travel on a single ticket from major Canadian cities, including Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Ottawa, via Toronto to London Heathrow (LHR).
Flight Availability โ Tickets will be available for purchase starting February 17, 2025, with flights commencing March 30, 2025.
Loyalty Program Integration โ Later in the year, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and WestJet Rewards will introduce benefits for frequent flyers.
Virgin Atlanticโs Commitment to Canada & Beyond
Launching its first Canadian route in over a decade, Virgin Atlanticโs new Toronto-London route will provide enhanced connectivity for travelers heading to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Dubai, the Maldives, Cape Town, and Johannesburg via London Heathrow.
Executive Insights
Juha Jarvinen, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, stated:
“Canada is a crucial market for us. This partnership with WestJet, alongside Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM, will create seamless connectivity for customers traveling between Canada, the UK, India, and beyond. Weโre excited to offer Canadian travelers a premium, personalized experience.”
John Weatherill, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer at WestJet, added:
“Weโre thrilled to welcome Virgin Atlantic back to Canada and provide greater connectivity across the country. This expanded codeshare will simplify travel and offer a seamless experience for our shared guests.”
To further support this growth, Stephen Goulding was appointed Virgin Atlanticโs Canada Country Manager in January 2025. With previous leadership experience at WestJet, he will play a key role in expanding Virgin Atlanticโs presence in Canada and strengthening the airlineโs strategic growth.
This partnership marks an important step in enhancing transatlantic connectivity, offering passengers more choices and a streamlined travel experience between Canada, the UK, and beyond.
Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-8H4 SSWL N8610A (msn 36635) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 964752.
Airline implements workforce reduction in corporate and leadership roles
DALLAS, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) (the “Company”) today announced a reduction in its workforce to create a leaner and more agile organization as part of the airline’s transformational plan.
The workforce reduction of approximately 1,750 Employee roles is focused almost entirely on corporate overhead and leadership positions and represents approximately 15% of corporate positions, including senior leadership and directors. Eleven senior leadership positions (Vice President and above), also representing 15% of the Company’s senior management committee, will be eliminated as part of this restructuring. Separations will be substantially complete by the end of second quarter 2025.โฏ
“This decision is unprecedented in our 53-year history, and change requires that we make difficult decisions. We are at a pivotal moment as we transform Southwest Airlines into a leaner, faster, and more agile organization,” said Bob Jordan, President, Chief Executive Officer & Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. “I arrived at this decision thoughtfully and carefully, knowing how hard it will be to say goodbye to colleagues who have been a significant part of our Southwest Culture and accomplishments. I’m grateful to all Southwest Employees who have shared in our legendary history and to those that will guide us into the next era of Southwest Airlines.”โฏ
As a result of this workforce reduction, the Company estimates partial year 2025 savings to be approximately $210 million and full-year 2026 savings to be approximately $300 million. These savings exclude an expected one-time charge in first quarter 2025 in the range of $60 million to $80 million, substantially all of which is related to severance payments and post-employment benefits, which the Company expects to treat as a special item. One-time costs will vary based on specific Employee elections during the workforce reduction. The Company will continue to report on additional cost-savings actions as 2025 progresses.
Sum Air, Koreaโs newest regional airline, has been granted its Air Carrier License (ACL), marking a key milestone in its journey towards launching commercial operations with ATR. This achievement now paves the way for Sum Air to proceed with its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) application as it prepares to introduce essential air services using ATR 72-600s.
Aligned with Koreaโs broader efforts to enhance regional connectivity, particularly to its islands and underutilised airports, Sum Airโs strategic vision is poised to transform the landscape of regional travel. Among its key destinations, Sum Air aims to focus on Ulleungdo, where Koreaโs first island airport with a 1,200-meter runway, is set to open in 2027. Initially focusing on domestic routes, Sum Air also plans to expand its network to neighbouring Japan.
The ideal aircraft to connect Koreaโs underserved regions with low-emission, reliable and cost-effective air services, the ATR 72-600 boasts:
superior short take-off and landing capabilities
a low noise footprint โ three times quieter than a comparable size regional jets
superior cost efficiency โ delivering significantly lower cost per seat compared to comparable size regional jets
unrivalled fuel efficiencyย โ burning 45% less fuel and emitting 45% less CO2 per trip compared to similar-size regional jets
a comprehensive support ecosystem, with an extensive maintenance, training and spare parts network across Asia.
Our partnership with Sum Air is poised to unlock a wealth of opportunities for low-emission and efficient regional aviation, marking a new chapter in Koreaโs aviation legacy.
British Airways Airbus A320-232 G-EUUS (msn 3301) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 962382.
British Airways has announced it is to acquire the Boeing hangar facility and MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) business at Gatwick in a move that will secure jobs at the site and expand BAโs presence at this key airport.
It will ultimately benefit BA customers by bringing additional skills, expertise and facilities into the business which will help to support the BA operation.
This transaction sees the airline create a new wholly-owned engineering subsidiary called British Airways Engineering Gatwick (BAEG) which will join BAโs existing engineering operations in South Wales (BAEW) and Glasgow (BAMG). The colleagues employed by Boeing who work at the facility will, subject to an employee information and consultation process, be transferred to the new subsidiary in Q2 of this year.
This is a significant investment for British Airways and forms part of the airlineโs strategy to expand its engineering operation. Longer-term, it’s expected the carrier will recruit additional colleagues and grow this new facility at Gatwick. British Airwaysโ existing engineering operation at Gatwick is a vital part of the airlineโs family, and its role and capability as a key engineering hub or โline stationโ in the airline’s network will be enhanced with the hangar now under British Airways ownership.
British Airways Chief Technical Officer, Andy Best, said: โTodayโs announcement will help us to be the very best in the business by bringing in the skills and expertise of former Boeing colleagues and adding a large, modern hangar to our portfolio of Engineering facilities. It will support the reliability of our entire fleet, which is good news for our customers and colleagues.
โWeโre proud of our Gatwick operation and this will give us a stronger presence which underlines our commitment to the airport.โ
โIโd like to welcome our new colleagues to British Airways, including highly-skilled and experienced Licensed Aircraft Engineers. Iโm delighted that, subject to consultation, they will be joining the BA family and I hope to be recruiting more people in the future.โ
Taking over the Boeing facility will significantly boost British Airwaysโ engineering operation at Gatwick, enabling it to continue to carry out minor maintenance on 777 aircraft at the airport. This increased capacity will allow BA to in-source some scheduled heavy maintenance work on its A320/321 fleet. Additionally, it will enhance its capacity to carry out unscheduled repair work, as well as providing additional maintenance resilience, and relieving capacity challenges at other locations across our network. Carrying out more 777 and A320/A321 maintenance at Gatwick will reduce the need to ferry these aircraft to other operational bases, which supports our commitments to BAโs wider sustainability goals.
EVA Air Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner B-17808 (msn 63515) NRT (Michael B. Ing). Image: 964801.
The Airline Continues To Pioneer Change, Setting A New Benchmark For The Industry With Industry-Leading Seat Pitch
TAIPEI, TAIWAN (February 17, 2025) – EVA Air unveiled its fourth-generation Premium Economy Class seats with an industry-leading seat pitch of 42 inches. It was presented today during the โFocus on Evolution: Taking Off with Heartโ launch event at Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corporationโs No. 4 Hangar. Presided over by EVA Air President Clay Sun, the event showcased the airlineโs latest seat design. This is the first time the airline has introduced the new Premium Economy Class on the Boeing 787-9, elevating the design concept from an โupgraded economyโ standard to a โbusiness-class-likeโ experience. The airline aims to offer a refined and comfortable cabin experience, strengthening its comprehensive three-class service offerings.
โAs the worldโs first airline to launch Premium Economy Class, EVA Air has consistently focused on innovation driven by passenger needs and setting industry trends. The fourth-generation seats retain the core philosophy of previous generations while enhancing comfort, fashion, and functionality, showcasing our commitment to service innovation and attention to detail.โ Said by EVA Air President Clay Sun. โThe Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring the new Premium Economy Class will initially serve the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)-Jakarta (CGK) route, with future deployment on flights from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Munich (MUC), Milan (MXP), direct flights to Vienna (VIE), and on the early flight(BR8/BR7) to SFO in the futureโ he added.
The new Premium Economy Class features 28 seats arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. The cradle motion recline mechanism allows the seat cushion to slide forward and upward simultaneously, creating a comfortable recline equivalent to 8 inches while preserving space for the passenger behind. Each seat is equipped with the industry-largest 15.6-inch high-definition screen in Premium Economy Class and a multi-function entertainment system controller. The tray table includes a stand for personal devices, and the seats are fitted with 110V AC and USB combo sockets to meet modern passengersโ diverse needs.
The new design emphasizes enhanced privacy with side privacy panels on the headrests and dedicated reading lights. The headrests, armrests, and footrests are upholstered in premium leather, delivering a luxurious and comfortable experience. Ample storage spaces in the armrests, under-seat compartments, and dedicated bottle holders make it convenient for passengers to store and access personal items. A wheelchair-accessible armrest on aisle seats ensures that flight attendants can assist passengers with special needs.
EVA Air was the first airline to introduce Premium Economy Class, then known as Evergreen Deluxe Class, in 1992. This innovative addition revolutionized cabin services by offering a new class between Economy and Business and reshaping the industry landscape. The seats featured a 38-inch pitch, significantly larger than standard Economy Class, and were the first to come equipped with personal TV systems. EVA Airโs continued enhancements to Premium Economy Class have earned numerous accolades from Skytrax, including awards for โWorld’s Best Premium Economy Class Airlines,โ โWorld’s Best Premium Economy Class Airline Catering, โ and โBest Premium Economy Class Airline Seats.โ
EVA Air is enhancing its service with a new collaboration with the renowned British brand HUNTER. Passengers in Premium Economy Class on long-haul routes to the U.S., Canada, and Europe departing from Taipei will receive an olive-green amenity kit, while return flights offer an oatmeal brown version. The stylish, outdoor-functional design includes a detachable strap for versatile wear and comes with HUNTER-brand lotion and lip balm for a refreshing long-haul skincare experience.
EVA Air continues prioritizing high-quality and environmentally friendly service items, including pillows and double-sided blankets for superior comfort, exclusive high-quality noise-canceling headphones, and customized tableware created in collaboration with Italyโs century-old brand, Guzzini. Bamboo fiber eco-friendly napkins further demonstrate EVA Airโs commitment to sustainability. The premium service lineup also features Royal Laurel Class toiletries, deep gray velvet slippers, gourmet mixed nuts, and dried fruits to elevate the passenger experience.
The newly delivered Boeing 787-9 aircraft (Registration No. B-17887) features Royal Laurel Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class. All future Boeing 787-9 will follow this three-class configuration. During its ferry flight to Taiwan, the new aircraft operated with a 30% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), reducing approximately 61,500 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions, showcasing EVA Airโs dedication to environmental sustainability.
EVA Air will continue to optimize its fleet and enhance service quality by introducing eight more Boeing 787-9s (three-class configuration) and five Boeing 787-10s (two-class configuration) by 2029. Additionally, the airline plans to introduce 18 A350-1000 wide-body aircraft starting in 2027 and 15 A321neo narrow-body aircraft starting in 2029.
About EVA Air:
A Star Alliance member, EVA Air was founded in 1989 as Taiwanโs first privately owned international airline. It is a sister company to global container-shipping leader Evergreen Line. It flies a fleet of more than 80 Boeing and Airbus aircraft to around 60 international destinations throughout Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America, with gateways in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver. Travelers can learn more about EVA and schedules, book, and buy tickets at www.evaair.com.
WestJet’s historic contract award will strengthenย Western Canadaย aerospace hub, Lufthansa Technik’s new engine repair shop and test cell will drive job creation and long-term economic benefits
WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-7CT WL C-GGWJ (msn 35503) SNA (Michael B. Ing). Image: 963497.
CALGARY, AB, Feb. 13, 2025 /CNW/ – WestJet and Lufthansa Technik announced today that they have signed an exclusive agreement, in which Lufthansa Technik will provide engine maintenance services for the CFM International* LEAP-1B engines that power the airline’s Boeing 737 fleet. The 15-year, multi-billion-dollar contract, is the largest in WestJet’s 30-year history and followed a rigorous competitive global sourcing process. As a world leader in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), Lufthansa Technik will establish a new engine repair station dedicated to servicing LEAP-1B engines for near-wing and quick-turn work. The facility will feature a modern test cell, the first-of-its-kind in Canada, for next generation engines and drive job creation in the region. Operations are set to begin in 2027, with WestJet as the launch customer.
Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “WestJet was founded on the idea of improving air travel and making it affordable for Canadians. 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. This is an extraordinary moment for WestJet, our guests, WestJetters, Western Canada’s communities and our suppliers.”
Under the framework of the agreement, Lufthansa Technik will provide WestJet, Canada’s largest 737 MAX operator, with a broad range of services, such as quick turn shop visits, on-wing repairs and full performance restorations. The partnership encompasses WestJet’s current fleet of more than 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft (of 200 total aircraft), a number that is expected to grow to over 130 before the end of the decade based on the airline’s current order book. The CFM LEAP-1B engine repair operations for WestJet will be offered by Lufthansa Technik through its expansive global network. While overhauls will continue to take place at the main facility in Hamburg, Germany, and the company’s joint venture near Wrocลaw, Poland, Lufthansa Technik aims to introduce quick turn shop visits at the newly created repair station in Calgary, Canada.
Soeren Stark, Chief Executive Officer of Lufthansa Technik, said: “This agreement represents one of the largest awards ever granted to any MRO 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. We greatly value WestJet’s strong confidence in our extensive expertise and our ability to serve as a trusted long-term partner. 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.”
CFM International, the developer and manufacturer of the LEAP-1B engines, has established an open MRO ecosystem for its LEAP engine family. As a CFM Premier MRO partner, Lufthansa Technik is licensed to deliver full MRO services for these engines. The company was the first independent MRO provider recognized by CFM to service both LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines and has completed over 60 maintenance events, including the world’s first LEAP-1A (Airbus version of the engine) performance restoration shop visit (PRSV).
Partnering to grow a world-class aviation hub in Western Canada
The creation of Lufthansa Technik Canada’s future facility is made possible through collaboration and funding from partners including the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF), Calgary Economic Development, Calgary International Airport and the Canada Infrastructure Bank. These partners have been vital in fostering the growth of Calgary’s aviation cluster to date.
The Calgary Airport Authority (The Authority) is proud to have signed a long-term lease agreement with Lufthansa Technik for an engine maintenance and test cell facility that will serve, amongst others, WestJet as a cornerstone customer. This $120-million investment has been secured with the support of the Government of Alberta, the Canada Infrastructure Bank, PrairiesCan and OCIF, in collaboration with Calgary Economic Development. The Authority will oversee the financing, planning, construction, and deployment phases of the related buildings, which will occupy nine acres of prime airport real estate, integrated seamlessly with Calgary International Airport’s strategic growth plans. The facility will boost regional economic development and reinforce Calgary’s role as a gateway for international aviation innovation and excellence, while providing airlines access to world-class facilities to ensure reliable, efficient and lower cost maintenance services.
The Government of Canada, through PrairiesCan, is investing $8 million for the Calgary Airport Authority to construct, fit out and equip the new 150,000 square foot aircraft engine maintenance and test facility at the Calgary International Airport.
The Government of Alberta is providing the Lufthansa Technik engine test cell and maintenance facility with a total support amount of $7.45 million through a combination of $3 million from the Investment and Growth Fund and $4.45 million from the Aerospace Workforce Development Grant. The Investment and Growth Fund is a deal closing incentive program that helps Alberta support high value, private sector, job-creating investments. The Aerospace Workforce Development Grant is aimed to provide training and workforce development support that attract investment, drive innovation and spur transformative economic development in Alberta’s aerospace sector.
OCIF is investing up to $2.5 million over four years to support Lufthansa Technik in establishing its Western Canada headquarters in Calgary including its MRO repair facility and test cell. The facility will work on more sustainable fuel and next generation engines. This initiative targets expansion of the region’s talent pool, while providing hands-on training, and positions Calgary as a leader in aerospace development.
Calgary Economic Development (CED) played a key role in Lufthansa Technik’s expansion to Calgary by connecting its leadership with key stakeholders and showcasing the city’s competitive business environment and thriving aviation sector. CED also highlighted Calgary’s skilled talent pool through detailed projections, post-secondary partnerships, and technical expertise.
The wholly owned Canadian subsidiary of Lufthansa Technik plans to create up to 160 new jobs in Calgary by 2030. Construction of the engine maintenance facility is scheduled to begin mid-2025 and is expected to take about two years. Once completed, it will allow for a range of engine maintenance functions and work that has been historically performed outside Canada. To prepare for operations, a dedicated training centre will open this year to equip new employees with the necessary skills. Recruitment for various positions will begin soon.
Lufthansa Technik’s expansion into Western Canada supports its “Ambition 2030” strategy, focusing on investments in core operations and global growth. A key part of this is enhancing MRO capabilities to meet growing demand, especially for the CFM LEAP-1B engine. The aircraft powerplant of the Boeing 737 MAX is becoming the leading engine in the Americas region. This presents significant opportunities for Lufthansa Technik to grow business with various North American airlines. To capitalize on this growth, the company plans to significantly scale up its quick-turn capacities and bolster its footprint in the region.
WestJet’s focus on regional development is evident in its global aviation hub in Calgary. As a result of strategic investments, the city has become the most connected mid-sized hub in North America. WestJet’s ongoing commitment to building a world-class aerospace cluster in Calgary contributes to economic growth and creating new job opportunities. This next phase of WestJet’s growth will not only strengthen Calgary’s position in the global aviation landscape but also enhance the economic prosperity of the region. The multi-billion-dollar contract and partnership between WestJet and Lufthansa Technik builds on the foundational WestJet-Government of Alberta Memorandum of Understanding to stimulate economies, create sustainable employment and build infrastructure for continued expansion.
Additional Quotes:
“Alberta’s government is proud to welcome Lufthansa Technik Canada to Calgary. This major project will have a far-reaching impact on our economy and it serves as a testament to the strong levels of investor confidence in our province. Alberta is a place where you can grow your business and thrive into the future. With our low corporate tax rate and highly educated workforce, Alberta continues to be one of the most business-friendly jurisdictions in North America. Today’s investment is further proof of Alberta’s national and international reputation as a leading aerospace and aviation hub.” – Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta
“This new, state-of-the-art facility is a major step toward making Calgary and Alberta global leaders in aviation innovation. Our government is proud to partner with the Calgary Airport Authority, industry leaders, and all levels of government to strengthen Canada’s aviation sector. We beat out strong competition to secure this opportunity, showcasing our region’s innovative spirit and commitment to reducing emissions. Together, we’re developing and adopting cutting-edge technologies that will boost the competitiveness of small and medium-sized businesses across the aviation supply chain.” – The Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister for PrairiesCan
“Lufthansa Technik Canada’s investment is the latest addition to our growing aviation and aerospace sector. Alberta continues to attract world-class companies like Lufthansa Technik because of its pro-business policies, low taxes, and innovative talent. This investment will create hundreds of jobs for hard-working Albertans and further diversify our economy.” – Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade
“This investment strengthens Calgary’s role as a hub for aerospace innovation and advanced aviation technologies. By attracting industry leaders like Lufthansa Technik, we are ensuring our city remains a beacon for forward-thinking talent and groundbreaking technological advancements.” – Mayor Jyoti Gondek
“We are proud to commit $172 million in financing towards infrastructure that supports aviation services at the Calgary International Airport. Our collaboration with the Calgary Airport Authority moves their project from the planning stage into shovels in the ground. The world-class facilities will strengthen Canada’s aviation infrastructure, bring long-term, high-quality jobs and economic growth to the region.” – Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank
“With the support of OCIF, Calgary continues to cement itself as a destination for innovators and blue-sky thinkers. This new facility builds on previous investments as part of our strategy to support talent development, scale companies and position Calgary as an aerospace innovation hub โ creating jobs and strengthening economic resilience for our city and for future generations.” – Brad Parry, CEO, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund
“This project is a remarkable example of what can be achieved when our aviation ecosystem and all levels of government come together – Lufthansa Technik as the premier supplier, WestJet as a vital cornerstone customer, critical support from Calgary Economic Development and the Government of Alberta through the Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade along with the Calgary Airport Authority, the Canada Infrastructure Bank, Prairies Economic Development Canada and Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund. 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.” โ Chris Dinsdale, President and CEO, Calgary Airport Authority.
“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. 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.” – Brad Parry, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development
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