Lufthansa Technik AG has been awarded the status of “Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Customs Simplifications / Security and Safety” by the customs authority and is therefore the first MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) company in the aviation industry to possess this security and quality certification under customs law.

The award of this status certifies that Lufthansa Technik fulfils comprehensive security and safety guidelines laid down by the European Union with regard to reliability, solvency, compliance with relevant legal provisions and fulfilment of particular security and safety standards.

“Cooperation with the customs authority went very well and proved highly productive. The excellent results achieved over the past few years in our foreign trade and customs clearance procedures along with our security and safety standards and reliable processes have now been rewarded with the receipt of AEO status,” says Frank Görtz, head of the customs and foreign trade department at Lufthansa Technik. Last year the Lufthansa Technik subsidiary Lufthansa Technik Logistik gained the sought-after certification.

The designation of AEO is being introduced worldwide; 151 countries – including all the major industrial nations – are committed to it under the aegis of the World Customs Organization. The European Union is currently negotiating with several countries on the mutual international recognition of such a customs and security status. Since the beginning of 2008 AEO status has been awarded to about 700 companies in its 27 member countries.