Solinair Progresses on New Ljubljana Maintenance Hangar

Solinair Advances Construction of New Maintenance Hangar at Ljubljana Airport

Project Development and Facility Features

Solinair is progressing steadily with the construction of its new maintenance hangar at Ljubljana Airport, with completion expected early next year and full operational capacity targeted for March 2026. The facility is being built on the site formerly occupied by the GIO Aviation hangar, representing a significant enhancement to the airport’s infrastructure and Solinair’s maintenance capabilities.

Covering an area of 3,250 square metres, the hangar is engineered to service a diverse range of aircraft, including CRJ, ATR, Embraer, Airbus A220, and A320-family narrow-body models. It is designed to accommodate up to three aircraft simultaneously and will feature specialized workshops dedicated to engine maintenance, electrical systems, metalworking, and painting. The facility will also include a dedicated paint shop, warehouses, server rooms, archives, and administrative offices located on the upper floor, enabling comprehensive and efficient maintenance operations.

Market Position and Strategic Implications

As a Slovenian-registered cargo airline and maintenance provider, Solinair currently serves prominent clients such as Lufthansa, Helvetic Airways, Finnair, and Nigerian carriers Ibom Air and ValueJet. The new hangar is expected to enhance Solinair’s capacity to support its existing customer base while attracting additional business from European and African airlines. Its strategic location at Ljubljana Airport, combined with state-of-the-art facilities, positions Solinair to deliver competitive, high-quality maintenance services in the region.

The expansion, however, may present challenges as Solinair seeks to meet growing demand for maintenance services. Increased capacity could prompt competitors to upgrade their own facilities or broaden their service offerings, intensifying competition for maintenance contracts across Central and Eastern Europe. This evolving market dynamic is likely to stimulate broader improvements in maintenance capabilities throughout the industry.

Nonetheless, the new hangar underscores Solinair’s commitment to operational excellence and its ambition to establish Ljubljana as a leading maintenance hub in the region. The project reflects both the company’s growth strategy and the shifting competitive landscape within the regional aviation maintenance sector.