Lufthansa Technik signs component support for Smartavia’s latest aircraft

(Smartavia)

The Russian airline Smartavia is continuing its decade-long partnership with Lufthansa Technik through a multi-year agreement covering extensive component services (Total Component Support – TCS). This new contract governs supply for the privately-owned regional airline’s latest fleet of Airbus A320neo aircraft over a period of six years. Service has started in May 2021, the contract initially includes up to ten aircraft that Smartavia plans to operate by the end of next year.

Smartavia intends to transform itself into a low-cost carrier and will commence deliveries of up to 40 factory-new aircraft of the Airbus A320neo family starting next year. The company expects to use the modern aircraft to significantly expand its route network and carry 16 million passengers per annum by 2025 to become one of the five largest air carriers in the Russian Federation.

“In particular, Lufthansa Technik’s cooperation with Woodward and FADEC as the main manufacturers of engine-related components for the LEAP-engines has convinced us that this contract will ensure the operational stability of the new aircraft,” Sergey Savostin, general director of Smartavia, says.

“Lufthansa Technik has gained experience on maintaining the Airbus A320neo aircraft right from the start of operations, and we are happy to share our knowledge with our Russian partner,” Stanislav Mitin, Corporate Key Account Manager Russia & CIS of Lufthansa Technik, says.

With this Total Component Support agreement, the carrier benefits from an individual supply concept that enables short and fast transport routes. The services covered by the contract are customized to fulfill the requirements of Smartavia. A pool of homebase stock for the Airbus A320neo fleet has been set up at Pulkovo Airport (LED) in St. Petersburg. Comprehensive logistics support by Lufthansa Technik offers Smartavia different flexible options that are particularly useful as long as the coronavirus-pandemic still affects air transport.

Lufthansa Technik already provides component support to Smartavia’s fleet of Boeing 737NG aircraft. In 2020, Lufthansa Technik has also concluded an agreement for engine services with the Russian carrier.

Currently the airline’s fleet consists of 12 Boeing 737-800 and -700 aircraft, as well as three used A320neos.

The prospects and challenges facing Russia’s and CIS’ MRO industry will be discussed and thoroughly explored at the MRO Russia & CIS 2021 conference and exhibition (September 15-16), the 16th iteration of the largest annual event in Eastern Europe and Central Asia that is focused solely on covering the crucial issues of the MRO services for the region’s fast recovering air transport industry