Lufthansa Technik breaks ground on 55,000-square-metre facility in Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal

Project overview: Lufthansa Technik Portugal in Santa Maria da Feira

Lufthansa Technik, the Lufthansa Group’s maintenance division and provider of technical services, marked a major milestone on Monday 29 June by formally starting construction of its 55,000-square-metre facility in Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal.

Lufthansa Technik Portugal, established in 2024, is expected to create up to 700 new roles in the aviation industry over the coming years. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro highlighted the project’s importance for Portugal during the foundation-stone ceremony, attended by representatives from politics, business and partner organisations.

The Portuguese Prime Minister said:

“We are here for the sake of the country and to advance a development strategy, which in this case has Lufthansa Technik and the Lufthansa Group as partners. We are the main stakeholders in giving this partnership many long years of life. I believe we will strengthen the political, economic and labour relationship with Germany.”

What the new Lufthansa Technik Portugal site will do

The new Lufthansa Technik Portugal facility-wholly owned by Lufthansa Technik-will focus on repairing engine parts and aircraft components. As part of the Lufthansa Group, Lufthansa Technik is a global provider of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.

Through an investment worth hundreds of millions of euros in Portugal, the company will further expand its capabilities and reinforce its global network. Operations are scheduled to begin in 2028.

Carsten Spohr, CEO of the Lufthansa Group, said:

*“The start of construction today 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. We have been present in this country for more than 70 years. With this Lufthansa Technik investment, we are creating 700 highly qualified jobs and positioning Portugal as a cornerstone of European aviation maintenance.

Portugal has become one of the strategically most important locations for our Group beyond our home markets, and this facility reflects the trust we place in the talent, capabilities and ambition of the Portuguese people. The depth of this commitment to industry and innovation also underpins our strong interest in TAP Air Portugal as a natural extension of the partnership with Portugal that we have built over decades, serving the country as Europe’s gateway to South America, Africa and the Portuguese-speaking world.”*

A broader industrial footprint in Portugal

Starting construction represents a tangible waypoint for the Lufthansa Group in Portugal within a wider industrial ambition. The investment extends well beyond a single site, encompassing maintenance excellence, a new TravelTech and AI hub in Northern Portugal, and a new Portuguese entity of the help alliance, the Lufthansa Group’s solidarity organisation.

This is the first time a help alliance organisation has been founded in Europe outside Germany, underlining the Lufthansa Group’s social commitment in its home market.

The Group’s presence in Portugal reflects a multi-layered approach. Today, seven Lufthansa Group airlines-Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Edelweiss, Eurowings and Discover Airlines-operate 353 weekly flights to Portuguese destinations including Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira and the Azores.

With more than 500 employees currently working across Lufthansa Group entities in Portugal, and a combined ambition to create more than 1,000 direct jobs across multiple businesses in the years ahead, the Lufthansa Group is building one of its most significant employment platforms outside its home markets.

Investment incentives and partner support (AICEP and local authorities)

During the event, Lufthansa Technik Portugal and the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency (AICEP) also signed their final agreement on investment incentives for economic development, further emphasising AICEP’s strong backing, which was instrumental in enabling construction of the new facility.

Harald Gloy, Chief Operating Officer of Lufthansa Technik, said at the event:

*“Lufthansa Technik has big plans and strong ambitions. Portugal will be a key pillar for our continued growth and long-term success. With this new facility in Santa Maria da Feira, we will put a fundamental part of our strategy into practice and build a site that will play an important role in the aviation industry.

Establishing Lufthansa Technik Portugal here was only possible thanks to the close, trust-based partnership we have built with Portuguese political decision-makers. For that reason, I would like to sincerely thank the Government, the trade and investment agency AICEP and the Municipality of Santa Maria da Feira for their strong support and shared commitment.

Today’s start of construction marks the beginning of an exciting chapter and clearly demonstrates what can be achieved when the right partners work closely together with a common purpose.”*

Madalena Oliveira e Silva, Chair of AICEP’s Board of Directors, said:

*“The investment contract signed today represents one of the most significant aerospace projects supported by AICEP in its history. By creating 700 highly qualified jobs and bringing cutting-edge capabilities to Portugal, this investment will strengthen the country’s position as a leading aviation and MRO hub in Europe.

We are proud to have stood side by side with Lufthansa Technik throughout this process and we intend to continue supporting the company’s growth and ongoing success in Portugal. The foundation-stone ceremony for Lufthansa Technik’s new facility in Santa Maria da Feira marks an important milestone for Portugal’s aerospace industry and a strong vote of confidence in the country.”*

Amadeu Albergaria, President of the Municipality of Santa Maria da Feira, who has followed the project closely since it began in 2024, said in his speech:

“The laying of the first stone for Lufthansa Technik is a milestone in Santa Maria da Feira’s recent history and a source of particular pride, as a local resident and as Mayor. This strategic investment opens a new phase for our municipality, with more industry, more qualified employment, more development and greater international recognition.”

Torsten Raabe, Managing Director of Lufthansa Technik Portugal, added:

“Being here today to celebrate the start of construction of Lufthansa Technik Portugal has very deep meaning for me personally, and it is a tribute to the entire team that worked hard to bring us to this point and lay the foundations for what comes next. It is great to see what we have already achieved together and how we will continue building over the coming years. We will create something truly meaningful for Lufthansa Technik Portugal and for everyone who joins us on this journey.”

Information from Lufthansa Technik