New hangar inaugurated at Lufthansa Technik Malta

A newly-extended hangar was inaugurated at Lufthansa Technik Malta this morning, in the presence of Tourism Minister, Karmenu Vella.

The hanger, which can house three large wide-bodied aircrafts, came at a cost in the region of €4.5 million and it will allow for the accommodation of planes such as the Airbus A330 and A340.

Vella said that the new hangar should help meet the increasing demand for technical services on Airbus A330 and A340 aircrafts, thereby strengthening the company's, and Malta's, competitive edge.

He said that the government had long-identified the aviation industry as one of the key growth sectors, highlighting the fact that international airline operations were expected to triple by 2040.

According to Vella, the extension of the hangar is one of many factors as to why the relationship between Malta and Germany remains "a very strong one".

"It is because of companies like Lufthansa Technik Malta, which bring along with them investment and many job opportunities that the relations between the two countries is a very strong one," he said, adding that Germany remained one of the highest foreign investors to Malta.

Vella also reserved special praise to the company's workforce, describing them as the 'real architects' of the project. He urged them to always keep on striving for success whilst stressing the importance of always keeping abreast of any industry changes.

Meanwhile, Lufthansa Technik Malta CEO Steven Drewes described the hangar as a "nest for big birds", explaining that the extension is sure to attract large aircrafts to Malta.

He said that despite "strong headwinds" in the aviation industry, Lufthansa Technik Malta was progressing well.