MTU Maintenance will temporarily suspend its MRO operations in Hannover and Berlin in early April in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

MTU says that by deferring this slightly, the company will be able to complete shop visits and ensure an organized start to the suspension of operations.

Over a three-week period, activities at both facilities are expected to be reduced to an absolute minimum, however, the customers will still be able to contact the company.  

Hannover is MTU’s main commercial engine maintenance operation, overseeing services for medium- and large-size engines including the CFM56, V2500 and GE90. Its Berlin facility typically focuses on repairs for smaller engine types such as the CF34. 

The suspension will take place one week after the manufacturing operations of MTU Aero Engines cease temporarily at sites in Munich and Rzeszów, Poland on Mar. 30. Both sites are used to assemble engines and produce engine components. MTU says the move considers the interruptions in material supply that have begun, as well as ensuring employee safety and containing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

Last week, MTU revealed it had introduced measures to ensure that operations continue across its worldwide locations. These included some of its global workforce, which numbers more than 10,000 people, working remotely.

It also revealed plans to bring forward the net profit for fiscal year 2019 to a new account and suspend last year’s dividend for the foreseeable future.