Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP) has released the first Airbus A330 from its D-check facility. This aircraft is the second long-haul jet overhauled at the Manila facility, following an Airbus A340. The Philippine Airlines aircraft with tail sign F-OHZN came out of LTP‘s aircraft overhaul hangar on schedule, registering a significantly shorter turnaround time than the Airbus A340 (F-OHPK). The aircraft returned to service on a revenue flight to Saigon.

Just like the first long-haul aircraft, the A330 was earlier test flown successfully and recieved positive comments from the customer regarding its technical performance. Thomas Gockel, president and CEO of LTP, points out the significance of the first two successful D-checks of long-haul jetliners: ”It was a big challenge not only for the aircraft overhaul group – now numbering over 400 – but also for the entire LTP organization. We thank Philippine Airlines for giving these overhaul events in our hands and trusting in our ability to deliver a product of world standard.”

LTP is the Lufthansa Technik Group's only A330/A340 heavy maintenance base outside Germany. Its existing four-bay hangar and workshops were upgraded beginning March 2002, while more than 100 LTP mechanics and specialists benefitted from a know-how transfer during two aircraft layovers at Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg last year. A number of German specialists have been assigned in Manila to support the local team in accomplishing their first overhauls.