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After adding widebody capabilities in 2025, Lufthansa Technik Malta has completed its first Boeing 787 cabin upgrade.
The company said the Lufthansa-operated 787-9 modification included a new seating configuration and full cabin monument upgrade. To complete the modifications, Lufthansa Technik converted an existing Malta bay to fit the aircraft. The MRO provider has six more similar cabin modifications scheduled by year-end.
This first 787 modification comes before LHT expands in Malta, where it began as a joint venture with Air Malta in 2002.
LHT announced plans a year ago to build a widebody center of excellence in Malta for base maintenance and cabin modifications.
As part of its plans, LHT is building a 6,400 m2 (69,000 ft.2) hangar for one widebody and three narrowbody aircraft, attached to existing buildings, raising total capacity to four hangars. The facility is set to open near the end of 2026.
“The 787 platform requires deep expertise, and our ability to deliver this project with precision and on time clearly demonstrates that we are ready to support even more widebody projects in the future,” said Marcus Motschenbacher, VP and COO, aircraft maintenance services at Lufthansa Technik.
Lufthansa Technik became a Boeing Licensed Service Center in June 2024 after signing terms with Boeing. The agreement enabled it to obtain a license to perform interior modifications on the 787 as an external MRO provider.
In addition to the 787, LHT Malta’s capabilities include line and base maintenance services for Airbus A320, A320neo, A330/340, and A350 aircraft. The company employs around 600 people at the site, located close to Malta International Airport.
Lindsey Douglas, VP, cabin, modifications, maintenance & digital services at Boeing, adds that the collaboration between the aircraft OEM and LHT will help expand post-delivery retrofit options for the 787 fleet, which currently totals more than 1,300 aircraft worldwide, according to Aviation Week’s Fleet & MRO Forecast data.
“As a Boeing Licensed Service Center, Lufthansa Technik will add vital capacity to deliver tailored cabin modifications that meet the unique needs of the flying fleet,” Douglas added.
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