QF & LH form parternship...

[Montague S]

...well a technical one I should say.

Qantas forms partnership with Lufthansa

21st April 2008, 9:00 WST

Qantas Airways is to form an engine maintenance joint venture with repair organisation Lufthansa Technik AG in an effort to increase its access to international customers.

Qantas will sell 50 per cent of its subsidiary Jet Turbine Services to Lufthansa as part of the agreement, the airline said in a statement.

“The partnership ... is one of the most significant commercial aircraft maintenance joint ventures in Australia, combining Qantas expertise with that of the world’s largest independent aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul operator,” Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon said in the statement.

Mr Dixon said the arrangement would provide Sydney-headquartered Qantas direct access to Lufthansa’s global customer network.

“The partnership is in line with Qantas strategy of continuing investment in Australia when we can achieve the right combination of labour flexibility, productivity and capability,” Mr Dixon said.

Melbourne-based Jet Turbine Services specialises in overhauling General Electric (GE) and CFM type aircraft engines and employs 140 people.

Qantas operates 124 CF6 engines and 66 CFM56-7 engines, which power some of its fleet’s medium and large planes.

Qantas has also signed a 10-year agreement with Lufthansa to provide maintenance services.

The agreement covers GE engines only. Rolls Royce engine maintenance will continue to be done by Qantas in Sydney.

AAP

http://www.thewest.com.au/default.as...ontentID=68933