Dubai Airshow: SR Technics to open Malta facility

The company will begin Malta operations from an existing hangar from 2010 while a purpose-built four-bay hanger and workshops is under construction for opening in 2012.

Bernd Kessler, SR Technics chief executive, said that the Malta location would position the facility perfectly for 2,000 potential customer single aisle aircraft.

“Our strategy is the establishment of a low-cost centre,” he said. “In Malta, we will service Airbus aircraft initially, and then expand into Boeing types as well.”

The first customer into the new Malta facility will be easyJet which announced a $1.6 billion renewal and extension of its maintenance partnership with SR Technics. The deal runs for 11 years.

As part of a wider cost containment programme, the deal aims to win 17% in new efficiencies from the low cost carrier’s maintenance work.

Said Kessler: “This agreement is a milestone for the SR Technics Group. We are very proud that easyJet has selected us to be their main technical service partner for the next 11 years. easyJet isis leading airline with strong growth ambitions and demands the highest quality for its fleet maintenance.”

easyJet currently has a fleet of 157 Airbus aircraft which will grow to 202 by 2012.