In an effort to increase its access to international customers, Qantas Airways is to form an engine maintenance joint venture with repair organisation Lufthansa Technik AG.
This has been said to be one of the most significant commercial aircraft maintenance joint ventures in Australia, combining Qantas expertise with that of the worlds biggest independent aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul operator.
Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon said “The deal would give Sydney-headquartered Qantas direct access to Lufthansa’s global customer network.”
As part of the agreement, Lufthansa will buy 50 per cent of Qantas’s subsidiary Jet Turbine Services who are based in Melbourne and specialise in overhauling General Electric (GE) and CFM type aircraft engines.
Qantas has also signed a 10 year agreement with Lufthansa to provide maintenance services which will cover GE Engines.  Rolls Royce engine maintenance will continue to be done by Qantas in Sydney.