Lufthansa Technik Breaks Ground on New Facility in Portugal - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Lufthansa Technik has officially broken ground on its new 55,000-square-meter production facility in Santa Maria da Feira, south of Porto. The site, scheduled to begin operations in 2028, represents a three-digit million-euro investment and will create up to 700 highly skilled jobs. Dedicated to the repair of engine parts and aircraft components, the facility will further expand Lufthansa Technik's global maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) network.

Strategic investment in Portugal

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together representatives from government, business and industry, underlining the project's significance for Portugal's aerospace sector and economic development.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said: "We are here for the benefit of the country, promoting a development strategy alongside our partners, Lufthansa Technik and Lufthansa Group. We are the primary stakeholders in ensuring the longevity of this partnership. I am confident that we will reinforce our political, economic, and working relationship with Germany."

Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr described Portugal as one of the company's most important strategic markets outside its home countries.

"Today's groundbreaking in Santa Maria da Feira is a visible and powerful symbol of what the Lufthansa Group stands for in Portugal: a reliable, long-term industrial partner. For more than 70 years, we have been present in this country. With this investment by Lufthansa Technik, we are creating 700 highly skilled jobs and positioning Portugal as a cornerstone of European aviation maintenance. Portugal has become one of the most strategically important locations for our Group beyond our home markets," said Spohr.

Expanding aviation expertise

The new facility forms part of Lufthansa Technik's long-term growth strategy and will focus on the repair of aircraft components and engine parts. The investment also strengthens the Lufthansa Group's broader presence in Portugal, which includes a TravelTech and AI Hub, the newly established Associação help alliance Portugal, and operations by seven Lufthansa Group airlines serving Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira and the Azores with 353 weekly flights.

"Lufthansa Technik has big plans and strong ambitions, and Portugal will be a key pillar of our continued growth and long-term success," said Harald Gloy, Chief Operations Officer of Lufthansa Technik. "Today's groundbreaking marks the start of an exciting chapter and clearly demonstrates what can be achieved when the right partners work closely together with a common purpose."

Partnership supports regional growth

During the ceremony, Lufthansa Technik Portugal and Portugal's trade and investment agency AICEP signed their final agreement on investment incentives, reaffirming government support for the project.

Madalena Oliveira e Silva, Chairwoman and CEO of AICEP, called the investment one of the country's most significant aerospace projects.

"The investment contract being signed today represents one of the most significant aerospace projects ever supported by AICEP. By creating 700 highly qualified jobs and bringing cutting-edge capabilities to Portugal, this investment will reinforce the country's position as a leading aviation and MRO hub in Europe," she said.

Santa Maria da Feira Mayor Amadeu Albergaria described the project as "a milestone in the recent history of Santa Maria da Feira," adding that it would bring new industry, skilled employment and international recognition to the region.

Torsten Raabe, Managing Director of Lufthansa Technik Portugal, said the groundbreaking marked the beginning of an important new chapter for the company and its future workforce.

"We will create something truly significant for Lufthansa Technik Portugal and for everyone who joins us on this journey," he said.

Image Credit: © Lufthansa Group