Lufthansa Technik Begins Construction of Portugal Facility

Portugal Facility to Support Lufthansa Technik’s MRO Expansion

Lufthansa Technik has officially broken ground on its new 55,000-square-metre facility in Santa Maria da Feira, south of Porto, marking the next stage of its expansion in Portugal. The company expects the site to create up to 700 jobs in the aviation sector over the coming years, with operations planned to begin in 2028.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, alongside representatives from government, industry and partner organizations.

The new facility will be operated by Lufthansa Technik Portugal, a wholly owned subsidiary established in 2024. The site will focus on repairing aircraft engine components, supporting the company’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) network.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said the investment strengthens the long-term partnership between Portugal and the Lufthansa Group while supporting the country’s industrial development and economic ties with Germany.

Lufthansa Group Chief Executive Officer Carsten Spohr said the investment reflects the company’s long-standing presence in Portugal and its commitment to expanding its operations there. He added that the project will create skilled employment opportunities and further strengthen Portugal’s role within the group’s aviation maintenance network.

The investment forms part of Lufthansa Group’s wider plans in Portugal, which also include a TravelTech and AI Hub in northern Portugal and the launch of Associação Help Alliance Portugal, the first help alliance organisation established outside Germany in Europe.

Currently, seven Lufthansa Group airlines operate 353 weekly flights to Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira and the Azores. Across its businesses in Portugal, the group already employs more than 500 people and plans to create over 1,000 direct jobs in the coming years.

Harald Gloy, Chief Operations Officer of Lufthansa Technik, said the new facility will play an important role in the company’s long-term growth strategy. He also acknowledged the support received from the Portuguese Government, trade and investment agency AICEP, and the City of Santa Maria da Feira.

During the ceremony, Lufthansa Technik Portugal and AICEP signed the final agreement covering investment incentives for the project, further supporting the development of the new facility.

Madalena Oliveira e Silva, Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of AICEP, said the investment will contribute to Portugal’s aerospace sector by creating skilled jobs and expanding the country’s aircraft maintenance capabilities.

Amadeu Albergaria, Mayor of Santa Maria da Feira, described the project as an important development for the region, highlighting its contribution to employment, industry and international investment.

Torsten Raabe, Managing Director of Lufthansa Technik Portugal, said the groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new chapter for the company and recognised the efforts of the team that brought the project to this stage.

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