Arkia Signs Comprehensive Support Contract
Arkia Israeli Airlines has signed a comprehensive technical services contract with Lufthansa Technik. Within the framework of a ten-year agreement, Lufthansa Technik will support the airline with Total Technical Support (TTS®) including Technical Operations Management (TOM) for Arkia's three Airbus A321LR.
Integrating all MRO activities into one service package, Lufthansa Technik will provide engineering, line maintenance and component support including consumables and expendables as well as wheels-and-brakes services. The first aircraft delivered from the OEM to Arkia will be the first aircraft of the A321neo type featuring the long-range configuration.
The on-site services in Tel Aviv will be performed by Lufthansa Technik Maintenance International (LTMI). Over the next three years, experienced mechanics and the station manager will provide TOM and line maintenance services on site at Arkia's hub in Tel Aviv, preparing the carrier's technicians to take over line maintenance after that period.
"Arkia has been modernizing its entire fleet, moving to a full jet fleet for its regional and international routes," says Nir Dagan, President and CEO of Arkia. "Our main fleet now comprises new and state-of-the-art jets: Embraer E-195, Airbus A321LR and, starting in 2020, the A330-900. We were looking for the best support for our new fleet and we are happy and proud to rely on Lufthansa Technik's experience and expertise to support the new era of Arkia. I feel this combination of the latest aircraft models with the best support in the market are the basis for Arkia's development."
"This contract is a milestone for us, as it is our first major contract with Arkia. We are very much honored and proud that we were selected by Arkia to support the A321LR fleet with our TOM Services," says Georgios Ouzounidis, Senior Director Corporate Sales Europe at Lufthansa Technik.
As part of a TTS® contract, TOM is a service package which integrates all local line maintenance services on a long-term basis. Working closely with the operator, the TOM staff optimizes the integration of maintenance and engineering services into the airline's flight operations and ensures the smooth functioning of all other MRO services. The permanent presence of both a station manager and a Lufthansa Technik team at the customer's home base assures both a close and well-coordinated working relationship and the optimal adaptation of Lufthansa Technik's services to the airline's requirements.
Arkia will also benefit from Lufthansa Technik's new digital platform AVIATAR, which offers the latest technologies for large amounts of data to be delivered by new aircraft types like the A321LR.
Arkia:
The airline was founded in 1949 and operates scheduled domestic and international services as well as charter flights. With a total of seven aircraft and five on order, Arkia serves 25 destinations in Western Europe and across the Mediterranean. Arkia's main bases are Ben Gurion and Dov Airports in Tel Aviv, with hubs at Eilat Airport and Ovda Airport.
Lufthansa Technik:
With some 35 subsidiaries and affiliates, the Lufthansa Technik Group is one of the leading providers of technical aircraft services in the world. Certified internationally as maintenance, production and design organization, the company has a workforce of more than 25,000 employees. Lufthansa Technik's portfolio covers the entire range of services for commercial and VIP/special mission aircraft, engines, components and landing gear in the areas of digital fleet support, maintenance, repair, overhaul, modification, completion and conversion as well as the manufacture of innovative cabin products.
Find more info about us on: www.lufthansa-technik.com
