WestJet, Lufthansa Technik Ink Multi-Billion Dollar Engine Deal

WestJet and Lufthansa Technik announced on Thursday a 15-year, multi-billion dollar agreement for engine maintenance services. The deal, the largest in WestJet’s 30-year history, will see Lufthansa Technik establish a new engine repair facility in Calgary, Alberta, creating up to 160 jobs by 2030.

The agreement focuses on maintaining the CFM International LEAP-1B engines that power WestJet’s growing fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

“WestJet was founded on the idea of improving air travel and making it affordable for Canadians,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group chief executive officer, in a news release. “This historic contract award will allow us to bring critical engine repair operations home to Canada and provide greater efficiency and cost certainty to a critical part of our operations, all while demonstrating our commitment to improving our competitiveness and supporting the Alberta economy.”

Lufthansa Technik will provide a range of services, including quick turn shop visits, on-wing repairs, and full performance restorations. While major overhauls will still occur at existing facilities in Hamburg, Germany, and near Wrocław, Poland, the Calgary facility will specialize in quick-turn maintenance.

Calgary Lands Major Aerospace Investment

The new facility, which will include a state-of-the-art test cell – the first of its kind in Canada – is a result of a collaborative effort involving several partners, including the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF), Calgary Economic Development, Calgary International Airport, and the Canada Infrastructure Bank. These partners have contributed funding and support to establish Calgary as a leading aviation hub.

The Calgary Airport Authority will oversee the financing, construction, and deployment of the facility, which will be located on nine acres of airport property. The Government of Canada, through PrairiesCan, is investing $8 million in the project. The Government of Alberta is providing $7.45 million through a combination of the Investment and Growth Fund and the Aerospace Workforce Development Grant. OCIF is investing up to $2.5 million over four years.

Construction is slated to begin in mid-2025 and is expected to take approximately two years. A dedicated training center will open this year to prepare new employees.

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Tolga Karadeniz

Tolga is a dedicated aviation enthusiast with years of experience in the industry. From an early age, his fascination with aviation went beyond a mere passion for travel, evolving into a deliberate exploration of the complex mechanics and engineering behind aircraft. As a writer, he aims to share insights , providing readers with a view into the complex inner workings of the aviation industry.

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