Malaysia Airlines, Lufthansa Technik Collaborate To Set Up MRO Facility

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 (Bernama) -- The newly established Malaysia Aviation Group Bhd has signed a terms of reference with Lufthansa Technik AG on a strategic partnership framework for a joint venture (JV) to establish a regional maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility. The MRO facility, planned for 2017, would be based at Malaysia Airlines’ existing facilities at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and service the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family of aircraft, said Malaysia Airlines in a statement. Malaysia Aviation Group is an entity under Khazanah Nasional Bhd. The JV is expected to see the creation of additional jobs and introduce the state-of-the-art technical capabilities for base maintenance services and best practices in operations, hence, creating a centre of excellence for the region. "We are excited about the tangible benefits of the JV. "Lufthansa Technik is one of the global leaders in MRO services, and the level of skill, expertise and technological transfer will be invaluable, both for us and for Malaysia," said Malaysia Aviation Group Malaysia Airlines Bhd Group Chief Executive Officer Christoph R. Mueller. Meanwhile, Lufthansa Chief Executive Officer Dr Johannes Bussmann said once the new JV becomes a reality, the airline would extend its MRO capabilities significantly. With Malaysia Airlines at its side, Lufthansa would have a strong regional partner to create a real success story with this new business, he added. The formation of the JV would, however, be subject to, approvals being sought from the regulatory authorities and the signing of definitive agreements. -- BERNAMA