Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP) has successfully completed the 12-year maintenance check of a Lufthansa Airlines’ Airbus A380 aircraft.
The Lufthansa A380, registered D-AIMC, flew out to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in October 2023, but finally made its way back to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) on February 17, 2024, after undergoing extensive work.
It was the first time that LTP had carried out a 12-year check on an A380, having previously completed both three- and six-year checks on the Airbus type previously.
At times, over 100 aircraft mechanics were on hand to complete the work, including the removal of more than 500 passenger seats and all other monuments just to enable access.
As part of the work the A380 landing gear, which consists of five individual gear assemblies and a total of 22 wheels, was completely replaced.
A team at Lufthansa Technik Landing Gear Services (LTLGS) in London are now working on the four main landing gear components removed from the aircraft to make them almost as good as new, while the nose landing gear is overhauled by its manufacturer.
All four Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines were also removed from the wings for more detailed structural inspections.
The team at LTP also ensure that any airworthiness directives (ADs) modification requests issued while D-AIMC was out-of-action were implemented.
Lufthansa’s next A380, registered D-AIMH, is now set to undergo the 12-year check after arriving in Manilla on February 11, 2024.
Future of Airbus A380
The A380 is enjoying a second lease of life as demand for air travel continues to surge following the COVID-19 pandemic.
With its huge passenger capacity, airlines are once again seeing the value in operating the superjumbo, which is also extremely popular with passengers.
In addition to Lufthansa Airlines, LTP currently counts four other A380 operators among its customer base.
Despite the opening of a third overhaul line for the type last year, the company’s capacities will be almost fully utilized well into the coming years.
“The return of the A380 to the fleets of many airlines has also boosted demand for maintenance services enormously. We are benefiting quite well from this with our A380 expertise here in Manila, that we recently even expanded with the third overhaul line,” explains Elmar Lutter, Chief Executive Officer of Lufthansa Technik Philippines. “In view of the delays in the delivery of numerous new wide-body aircraft, I am certain that services for the A380 will remain an integral part of our portfolio for years to come.”