Lufthansa Technik Opens Training Hub in Portugal Ahead of New Facility

Lufthansa Technik Establishes Training Hub in Portugal Amid Expansion Efforts

Lufthansa Technik has officially opened a new training centre in Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal, marking a pivotal advancement in its strategic expansion within the country. Situated in the Perm industrial park, approximately nine kilometres from the site of the company’s forthcoming production facility, the centre is designed to prepare staff ahead of the plant’s scheduled launch in late 2027.

Preparing the Workforce for Future Operations

The training hub occupies two buildings and currently facilitates introductory sessions and classroom-based instruction for the initial cohort of 18 employees at Lufthansa Technik Portugal. Practical training is expected to commence shortly, supported by seasoned instructors from the company’s headquarters in Hamburg. The facility, leased for an initial term of three years, is equipped with modern seminar rooms and fully outfitted office workstations, providing a comprehensive environment for employee development.

This initiative follows Lufthansa Technik’s announcement in December of a substantial investment, estimated in the triple-digit million-euro range, in a new 54,000 square metre production site located in the Lusopark industrial area of Santa Maria da Feira. The forthcoming facility will specialise in the repair of aircraft components and engine parts, with plans to create approximately 700 jobs. Recruitment efforts are already underway, with 25 key positions filled, including roles such as human resources manager, production manager, and tool and equipment engineer. An additional 20 hires are anticipated before the end of the year, targeting technicians, quality engineer auditors, and HR specialists. The company reports robust interest in these roles, receiving an average of 150 applications per vacancy.

To bolster workforce development, Lufthansa Technik Portugal is collaborating with educational institutions across the country. Notably, it has partnered with Cenfim, a national vocational training centre specialising in metalworking and electromechanical industries, which is assisting in the selection and technical evaluation of prospective mechanics.

Strategic Positioning in a Competitive Market

The inauguration of the training centre occurs as Lufthansa Technik navigates a highly competitive business aviation sector. The company’s focus on VIP and special aircraft services, which constitute approximately five percent of its overall revenues, faces mounting competition from industry rivals such as General Electric, which recently launched the technologically advanced Catalyst engine. Amid rising costs associated with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), competitors are expected to intensify efforts to secure business aviation contracts. In this context, the effectiveness of Lufthansa Technik’s new training centre in enhancing service quality and staff expertise will be a critical factor influencing its market standing.

At the opening ceremony, Volker Magunna, chairperson of the board at Lufthansa Technik Portugal, highlighted the significance of the milestone. He stated, “Today is a special day for Lufthansa Technik Portugal, one that will go down in the company’s history—even before construction of the actual production facility has begun. This milestone vividly demonstrates the pace and commitment with which we are advancing this major project. I am excited about everyone who wants to shape and build Lufthansa Technik Portugal together with us. This also applies to our partners at AICEP and the city of Santa Maria da Feira, who have welcomed us with open arms and provided strong support from the very beginning.”

The establishment of the training centre underscores Lufthansa Technik’s dedication to long-term workforce development and its ambition to reinforce its position within the evolving aviation services market.