Iberia Maintenance Achieves Annual Production of 200 Engines

Iberia Maintenance has attained a stable annual production of 200 aircraft engine inspections and repairs, making its engine workshop one of the world's most productive.

At the end of 2007 Iberia's maintenance unit launched its ambitious “Plan 200!” to improve productivity and increase resources to make its engine workshop more efficient, competitive, productive. Production data show that in June, 2010 the unit achieved an annual production rate of 200 engines and that this rate was sustained through the first half of 2011. The figure represents a 12% increase in output.

“Plan 200!” called for the spending of 20 million euros on new equipment and tools. Meanwhile, the unit also added three new engines to its repertoire (the CFM56-7B, RB211-535C, and CF34-3).

It also resumed its repair services for Airbus A320 landing gear, and is preparing to engage in the repair of Airbus A340-300s starting in a few months.

It also signed new contacts with outside clients who now account for 70% of its production.

In addition, Iberia Maintenance carried out a training program for new staff amounting to 25,000 class hours per year.

Finally, it opened a new workshop for the inspection and repaint of turbine blades, at a cost of some 8 million euros.

Iberia's merger with British Airways is opening up opportunities for growth and for configuring future aircraft fleets, whose maintenance requirements will ensure substantial future activity.