AirAsia X, the world’s first successful low-cost long-haul airline, today appointed Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP) as its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services provider. Both parties signed an agreement in Singapore today for LTP to provide MRO services for AirAsia X’s fleet which comprises eight Airbus A330s and A340s for three years beginning March 2010. The services will be carried out at LTP’s facility in Manila.

The appointment of LTP is in line with AirAsia X’s commitment to secure only the best services to ensure safety in its flight operations. Under the agreement, LTP will provide for the first year of the contract MRO services including four C-checks and a heavy maintenance check.  LTP will also carry out several cabin retrofit tasks to comply with AirAsia X’s new premium and economy seating specifications.

“AirAsia X’s partnership with one of the world’s leading aircraft MRO providers allows us to tap proven expertise and invaluable experience in this aspect of aircraft operations.  At AirAsia, flight safety is our priority, and we are committed to maintaining global standards in flight operations. With LTP on board to provide us expert MRO services, we are able to continue to provide safe flights as well as ensure that our aircraft are kept in an optimum condition. This leads to cost-efficiency and AirAsia’s ability to continue to offer super low fares,” said Anaz Ahmad Tajuddin, AirAsia X`s Head of Engineering.

Dominik Wiener-Silva, LTP Vice President for Marketing and Sales, said, “We are pleased to welcome AirAsia X to our facility. LTP is fully committed to deliver results in terms of short and reliable turnaround time and cost predictability. We certainly look forward to a long-term partnership with one of the fastest growing airline operators in Asia today.”

AirAsia X has previously worked with LTP. In January 2010, an AirAsia X A340 successfully underwent a 40-hour layover involving a main landing gear seal change at the LTP facility in Manila.

LTP has gained airline customers from across the globe and continues to welcome bigger names in the industry with its specialization in heavy maintenance checks for A320, A330 and A340 aircraft. The MRO facility is able to respond to the needs of its customers with its wide spectrum of services that cater to different customer demands whether legacy or low-cost carriers. The entry of yet another low-cost no-frills operator like AirAsia X signifies the flexibility of LTP to adapt to varied aircraft maintenance requirements.