The agreement also includes access to CFM56 modules and materials to support the maintenance program.
Lufthansa Technik will be conducting the CFM56-7B engine maintenance program for WestJet for another seven years starting January 2023. This agreement provides WestJet with access to a wide range of services including overhaul capabilities and on-site maintenance support. Under a separate agreement, Lufthansa Technik has collaborated with FTAI Aviation to provide access to CFM56 modules and materials to support this maintenance program.
Gandeephan Ganeshalingam, Vice President of Technical Operations, WestJet said, “WestJet is excited to move forward in this new agreement with Lufthansa Technik in a dynamic new program to support our fleet. We are looking forward to working with this expanded relationship with Lufthansa Technik to provide excellent support and engine life cycle management. Further, working with a support organization that understands the airline’s perspective and needs, serves to enhance the value of support brought to the table. This is the result of a very competitive process started in January 2021 that resulted in Lufthansa Technik’s team being awarded a contract that provides leading value and support through a team approach offering creative solutions.”
Georgios Ouzounidis, VP Corporate Sales North America at Lufthansa Technik said, “Lufthansa Technik is excited to be partnering with WestJet on one of their largest maintenance programs. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with them. Similarly, in subcontracting a third-party supplier like FTAI, we are confident that we will be able to provide a high-quality and reliable product at a competitive cost. One major pillar in our collaboration is that we will be able to, where appropriate, further optimize an engine’s life. This results in high engine reliability and stable operations for WestJet.”
Joe Adams, FTAI’s Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer said, “We are proud to support our partner Lufthansa Technik on this unique CFM56 maintenance program for WestJet. As the CFM56 engine matures, we believe this program serves as a new blueprint for providing the most creative and cost-effective aftermarket maintenance solution to the largest engine fleet in the world.”
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An important principle of this maintenance approach is the replacement of modules, which optimizes engine life and delivers a more environmentally sustainable program.
