techni link files/tl_1q08_ce.pdftechni link 1st quarter 2008 ... as supplement to our main business....

TechniLink1st Quarter

2008

Phone +63-2-855-9319 Fax +63-2-855-9309 [email protected]

Round-the-clock expertiseLine Maintenance

Address: MacroAsia Special Economic Zone, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City 1309 Philippines

Phone: +63 2 855 2222 ext. 8525/8526 Fax: +63 2 855 9309 E-mail: [email protected]

Dear readers,

The year 2007 was a successful year

for Lufthansa Technik Philippines. This

success is due mainly to you, our

customers. I would like to thank all of you

for the trust that you have placed in LTP

over the last year. Indeed, I am grateful for

the solid partnership that we enjoyed in

the past year.

Last year we have seen considerable

growth in our customer base and we

have expanded our capacity to meet the

growing demand for base maintenance

checks in the Airbus A330/A340 market.

We have also developed new capabilities

as supplement to our main business.

This year, we will remain in this growth

course to serve our current and future

customers better.

I am looking forward to another year of

partnership built on mutual trust and wish

all of you a prosperous 2008.

Sincerely,

Bernhard Krueger Sprengel

[email protected]

Bernhard Krueger-Sprengel

President & CEO

Lufthansa Technik Philippines

FOUNDED IN the year 2000 as a joint venture of Lufthansa Technik AG and Philippine aviation service provider MacroAsia, Lufthansa Technik Philippines offers a wide range of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to customers worldwide.

The company focuses on base maintenance checks for the A320, A330/A340 types of aircraft. Four hangar bays and workshops have been upgraded to the latest industry standards to support aircraft maintenance, major modifications, cabin reconfigurations, engine maintenance and painting for the A320, A330/A340, B747-400 and B737 aircraft. A new widebody hangar was recently added to meet the increasing demand for A330/A340 base maintenance checks.

LTP provides total technical and engineering support for the Philippine Airlines (PAL) fleet. It is also rendering line

• Aircalin• Air Macau• Air Mauritius• Air Niugini• Air Philippines• Air Tahiti Nui • Asiana Airlines• Austrian Airlines• bmi• Cathay Pacific• China Airlines• Eva Air• Gulf Air• Japan Airlines• Jet Airways• Jetstar Asia

• Korean Air• Lufthansa German

Airlines • Malaysia Airlines• MyTravel Airways• Pacific East Asia

Cargo Airlines• Philippine Airlines• Qantas Airways• Qatar Airways• Royal Brunei

Airlines• Starflyer• Thomas Cook

Airlines UK• Virgin Atlantic

Airways

TechniLink 1st Quarter 2008

TechniLink is published quarterly by Lufthansa Technik Philippines for its customers and friends. http://www.ltp.com.ph

editorLiza Martija associate editorEmir Samonte art directorGildo Velarde correspondentJessamine de Perio adviserRichard Haas [email protected]

maintenance to more than 20 domestic and international carriers.

Through a partnership with Lufthansa Technical Training Philippines (LTTP), LTP mechanics are certified through EASA Part 66-compliant courses.

LTP holds repair station certificates from the FAA, EASA, ATO and other airworthiness authorities.

Our customers:

Baguio City Panagbenga Festival

A million flower’s splendor

TechniLink 4th Quarter 2007

AS THE summer season approaches, Baguio City (250 kilometers north of Manila) known also as the City of Pines and the Summer Capital of the Philippines starts blooming with radiance and fragrance of its wide array of flowers.

Baguio City is the first place that comes to mind when the summer heat touches down on the Philippines. Travelers do not mind the five to six hours’ travel from Manila via land transportation because it is always worth the magnificent experience that awaits them. Not only does Baguio stays cool amidst the hot season, more so, it is swathed with the beauty of different flora that is sure to be a treat to the eyes and an olfactory teaser for anyone who would visit the city at this time of the year.

The Baguio Flower Festival is the biggest and much awaited festival in the City of Pines. This is an annual pageantry also known as Panagbenga Festival, a kankanaey term for “a season of blooming, a time for flowering.” The festival is held yearly during the month of February and extends for over a month of celebration with the weekends as its peak periods. This tradition started in February 1995 as homage to the beautiful flowers the city is famous for and as a celebration of Baguio’s re-establishment after the 1990 earthquake that distressed much of the city.

Initially, Panagbenga featured only a few activities, which included the search for the Festival Queen, a floral parade, the market encounter—an exhibit of Baguio’s native product, and the village beautification contest. The celebration was eventually kicked off by school children dancing in the streets, wearing a variety of flowers as headdress. Session Road, the city’s main artery, is literally transformed into a sea of flowers swaying to the heightened beat of drums and trumpets. The creative talents of people who come up with floats decorated with beautiful flowers never fail to amaze the multitude of people, not only from Baguio but also tourists from other parts of the country and the world who come to watch the floral parade.

This festival has several highlights, which are truly worth looking forward to. Part of these is the Market Encounter at Camp John Hay where flower growers and landscapers sell flower arrangements and landscaping items. This event gives the tourists the opportunity to appreciate authentic Baguio products. There is also The Session Road in Bloom, which showcases the Cordillera’s (region where Baguio City is part) ancient and colorful art of weaving called “ikat.” Another much anticipated event is The Flower Tee Golf Tournament that compliments John Hay’s rolling carpet of greens.

The Baguio Flower Festival continues to

grow bigger in magnitude because of the new activities that are constantly added and the continued support given by various participants and contributors.

At present, the Panagbenga is a major event not only in Baguio’s tourism calendar but for the country as well. There is no doubt that Panagbenga has become a yearly tradition that is uniquely Baguio in color, scope, substance and character. The Baguio Flower Festival is definitely like no other and it will continue to bloom in the hearts of the people behind its success and the people who witness its splendor.


IN THE recently held European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Soccer Cup, Lufthansa Technik Philippines valiantly defended its crown as the Soccer Cup Champion when it defeated a formidable opponent in overtime.

Earlier on, the LTP Soccer Team was on a rampage, eliminating opponents from Bosch, Mercedes Benz and Siemens until

Sweet victory—second time around

The Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Transportation Working Group’s(TPT-WG) Philippine Organizing Committee recently visited LTP for a facility tour. Headed by Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Undersecretary Ma. Elena Bautista, the APEC TPT-WG Philippine Organizing Committee is considering Lufthansa Technik Philippines as a showcase point during the APEC Summit in April.

its final face-off with Maersk Industries. LTP plugged all the holes in its defense and went out on an all out offensive that finally sealed Maersk fate in a victorious 1-0 LTP win during overtime.

This is the LTP Soccer Team’s second time to capture the ECCP Soccer Cup, making LTP the back-to-back champion of the tournament. Congratulations!

APEC Organizing

Committee tours

LTP facilities

British Ambassador visits LTP

HER BRITANNIC Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Peter Beckingham, recently visited Lufthansa Technik Philippines for a facility tour. His Excellency also inspected the Virgin Atlantic Airways (VAA) A340-600 aircraft currently undergoing C-check at the new hangar. (From left to right) Paul Kavanagh, VAA Technical Representative, His Excellency Peter Beckingham, Bernhard Krueger-Sprengel, LTP President and CEO, Richard Haas, Vice President for Marketing and Sales posed beside the VAA A340-600 aircraft.

LTP Soccer Team


Lufthansa Technik Philippines successfully supported a Lufthansa German Airlines A340-600 which experienced technical difficulties. The swift resolution of the AOG earned positive feedback from the airline. In a letter to LTP President and CEO Bernhard Krueger-Sprengel, the airline expressed its appreciation for the support given by LTP.

“I would like to thank LTP for the handling of the AOG. The troubleshooting and repair was done quickly with a high level of expertise, enabling the aircraft to be returned to service swiftly,” said Andreas Gherman, Lufthansa German Airlines Vice President for Technical Operations.

“We appreciate that LTP provided us with the needed help,” he said. “We see this as a fine example of the mutual help airlines and MROs are willing to give each other in times of critical need,” Gherman concluded.

Another aircraft kept off the ground

LTP troubleshoots Lufthansa A340-600

THROUGH THE efforts of Lufthansa Technik Philippines, Philippine Airlines hit a record high on its Technical Maintenance On Time Performance (OTP). For the last seven months, covering June 2007 to December 2007, LTP was able to reach an average of 99% OTP for PAL aircraft maintenance originals.

This is an improvement from the average 98.6% OTP registered in 2006.

Several factors contributed to this stellar performance of the PAL fleet, primarily the conscious effort of the Lufthansa Technik Philippines employees to focus

PAL registers 99% OTP for seven consecutive monthson improving the flag carrier’s fleet performance.

“The diligence and perseverance of the employees in scrutinizing each delay and utilizing measures to prevent a repeat of such delays have contributed to this feat,” said Anno Schneider, VP for Aircraft Maintenance.

The application of improvements on maintenance procedures and active management of ground times, which enabled rectifications on hold items list (HIL) were also key factors. Strengthening of the company’s “responsive maintenance”

efforts was also cited as a factor.“We are strengthening our responsive

maintenance in addition to the standard preventive and reactive maintenance. This means responding early to small signs that may potentially develop into aircraft technical trouble,” said Schneider.

In spite of the positive gains, LTP needs to overcome more challenges in order to maintain the 99% OTP. “The aircraft are getting older and older, so we have to expect more wear and tear failures. This will be an issue for the reliability program and the base maintenance events.


A LITTLE past midnight, an aircraft at Philippine’s Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark, Pampanga (80 kilometers from Manila) sits on the ground. A technical difficulty is preventing it from taking off. Lufthansa Technik Philippines, its maintenance provider, immediately assesses the problem and places a call to its Manila base to send in the needed hydraulic module. Within a matter of hours, the required component is delivered enabling the mechanics to solve the technical problem. The aircraft is finally cleared for takeoff and is airborne.

Utilizing the most advanced technology and proven procedures in aircraft maintenance today coupled with Lufthansa Technik’s more than 30-year experience in handling over 100 line maintenance customers worldwide, Lufthansa Technik Philippines is able to handle this kind of situation with proven professionalism and expertise

With highly-skilled and experienced mechanics and engineers available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in the country’s premier airport, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and smaller stations in

Round-the-clock expertise

Line Maintenance

Cebu, Clark and Davao, Lufthansa Technik Philippines provides line maintenance services to more than half of the local and international airlines flying in and out of the country.

LTP provides routine and emergency services, which include technical assistance without Certification of Release to Service (CRS) to full handling with CRS for transit, layover or night stop aircraft.

Through its close partnership with Lufthansa Technical Training Philippines (LTTP) LTP mechanics are certified through EASA Part-66 compliant courses. EASA Part-66 sets a single standard all over the European Union for the qualification of maintenance personnel.

Aside from this training program, LTP works closely with LTTP to help technical personnel complete their initial and recurrent training requirements.

The company has modern, process-oriented and extensive workshops to support day-to-day operations, in line with Lufthansa Technik’s high quality standards. These backshops ensure that necessary support facilities and special skills are available when situations require.

Airlines recognize the value of these workshops and the high level of technical expertise of Lufthansa Technik Philippines mechanics that is why the company is the preferred aircraft maintenance provider in major airports in the country.

To date, LTP’s line maintenance customers include Aircalin, Air Macau, Air Niugini, Air Philippines, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, Eva Air, Japan Airlines, Jetstar Asia, Korean Air, Lufthansa German Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Pacific East Asia Cargo Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways and Royal Brunei Airlines.

Aside from these customers, LTP has always been relied upon to solve AOG situations or provide technical assistance to diverted flights by non-customer airlines.

More importantly, LTP is the trusted service provider in lending line maintenance support to VVIP flights by various international governments.

Broad experience, comprehensive backup facilities and highly competent personnel guarantee that aircraft flying in and out of the Philippines are in the best hands at Lufthansa Technik Philippines.


What do you mean by bringing the air-craft virtually into the classroom?In order to be truly successful in training, it is necessary to practice and execute future job tasks. That way, trainees not only gain knowledge but also real-world skills and competence-of-acting.

You cannot learn to swage a tube fitting, drill holes, or fly an airplane, just by reading a book or listening to a teacher. The practical exposure – actually doing it – is the key, coupled with acquired knowledge. For basic courses, we provide a wide range of work benches, tooling, and mechanical simulators (mock-ups).

But how can we achieve this for aircraft type training courses? Especially when this course comprises sophisticated aircraft systems in a very compressed time? We have invested into simulation software MTD that allows trainees to practice all switching procedures in a flight deck; execute the full application of the Onboard Maintenance System (OMS), which is in reality, the toolbox of today’s mechanic. The MTD also provides virtual aircraft component locator; and the access to the maintenance documentation.

During the class, after the functionality of a specific system has been discussed, the students will find a fault simulated in the MTD, then they need to interrogate the

OMS, look up the correct procedure in the maintenance documentation. The next step is to virtually replace the faulty component, and verify their action by a return-to-service (RTS) test. By doing so, we can simulate the whole process of troubleshooting in the classroom with the effect, that the participants create their competence within

a controlled and safe training environment without risking aircraft damage. The MTD also allows us to train a group of 16 students at a time (Eight workstations for two students each) instead of a small group of four as we did in the past on real aircraft.

What is the customer re-sponse on this?The customers like the fact that their staff can perform their job right after returning

to work. The practical training or on-the-job training period can be significantly reduced and limited to physical component replace-ments, which cannot be simulated so far.

It seems that LTTP has progressed a lot. What are your next steps?In line with our LTT Group strategy, we are further expanding to Japan, Korea, Australia,

New Zealand, the South Pacific, and certainly within the Philippines. We have established a Regional Business Responsibilities (RBR) concept where each of LTT’s worldwidetraining centers is serving its own region. This brings down training costs by reduced travel time, allows closer ties to the customer due to the similar culture and same time zone, and strengthens our global position as a leading maintenance training provider.

Certainly, this all can only be achieved by using globally-accepted and strictly applied quality standards independent of the location.

So far, we can proudly count more than 30 satisfied customers that have received training courses conducted by our highly competent Philippine Technical Instructors.

Contact:Lufthansa Technical Training Philippines, Inc.Phone: +63 2 855 9501Fax: +63 2 855 9533Email: [email protected]

A320 Maintenance Training Device Classroom


In October 2001, Lufthansa Technik Philippines established a technical training division with just fi ve trainers for the purpose of providing fundamental training courses exclusively to LTP employees. Close to seven years later, the technical training division has evolved into Lufthansa Technical Training Philippines (LTTP), a renowned training organization with 35 employees, teaching 30 international customers within the Asian region. Technilink spoke to LTTP general man-ager Holger Beck to talk about the com-pany’s history, current developments and its plans and strategies for the future.

The growth of LTTP is quite impressive. What made this possible?Our strong cooperation with Lufthansa Tech-nik Philippines and Philippine Airlines(PAL) has been instrumental in our success. To sustain a training center’s progress and continual development, constant annual training demand is necessary -- particularly, if fundamentals or basic training programs with duration between six months up to two years are considered.

Since these apprenticeship programs require high financial investment, it needs strong industry partner support. LTP and PAL gave not only this financial stability, but they have also sought the highest standards in maintenance training. Thus, we brought EASA Part-66 approved maintenance training courses to the Philippines turning LTTP into the first and only EASA Part 147 approved Maintenance Training Organization in the country.

What is different today in comparison to, let’s say, fi ve years ago?In the first operational period up until 2005, we were primarily focused on qualifying staff for LTP. Over two thirds of our capacity during that time, we trained junior mechan-ics infusing them with excellent knowledge and developing outstanding hand skills. These highly skilled individuals were then discharged to LTP.

The remaining one third focused on training PAL’s line station engineers and LTP’s certifying staff. This included, but was

Maintenance Training — Entirely focused on serving

the Asian aviation industry

Lufthansa Technical Training Philippines (LTTP)

not limited to, aircraft type training, specialized training, human factors, and recurrent training.

In the meantime, LTP counts on a comprehensive qualification structure, with a training demand share of 60% advanced and type training, while the rest counts for ab-initio or other basic training courses. Thus, the requirement profile for LTTP changed significantly giving priority to advanced training.

How do you cope with this new requirement?It was necessary to align our training center to this new situation. Seventy five percent (75%) of our technical instructors today are Type Training experts and we are still recruiting more trainers with extensive maintenance experience. Which is why we have invested a lot in our training methodology.

We have internal qualification programs where our Instructors regularly undergo technical training courses with manufacturers as well as teaching and learning techniques-programs. Our close proximity to LTP benefits us providing LTTP with recurrent exposure to the line and base maintenance environment. We have also invested in state-of-the art Maintenance Training Devices (MTD) in order to virtually bring the aircraft to the classroom.

Holger Beck, LTTP General Manager


You have just completed your fi rst year in the Philippines, how have you and your family adapted to living here?

I have adjusted very well here and so did my family. At first, humidity was a concern but after a few months I acclimatized. My family joined me summer of 2007 and they have adapted faster than I did. Now, my son and daughter go to school here and have made new friends. They have also pursued activities outside of school. My son plays the guitar in a local band while my daughter plays bass.

After a year of assuming leadership of the company, how have you adjusted to working in the Philippines?

I have learned that due to the friendly nature of the Filipinos, it works better if you have a personal approach in dealing with Filipino colleagues.

From your point of view, what were the company’s most important milestones in the past year?

I am proud to say that we have achieved so much last year. Among these milestones

“I am proud that we have achieved so much last year.”

is the full workload reached at our base maintenance operation.

It was also in 2007 that we inaugurated our new widebody hangar. The opening of the new hangar is significant because this shows that our shareholders support the growth of our company and it signifies worldwide customer acceptance.

I am pleased that for the seven months of 2007, we have reached 99% Technical Maintenance On Time Performance for our key customer, Philippine Airlines.

As well as providing total technical support and focusing on A330/A340 base maintenance, we have shown that our company is developing other businesses. We have started two ventures: the window repair and engine teardown capabilities.

You introduced the LEAN concept to LTP. Are you satisfi ed with the speed of its implementation?

LEAN is all about improving how things are done by bringing in ideas from shop floor employees. It is not just about setting up an organization but rather it involves a change in the mindset of everybody in the organization. It calls for commitment and involvement of all employees.

We started a pilot project last year with the A-check Division (MA3) and the outcome is very promising. I have learned for myself that people in LTP like to work together towards a goal. They are very receptive to change and willingly offer solutions for changes to happen. Personally, I think this is the right way to go. With the support of the LEAN Division, everybody can improve the working environment through efficient use of effort and time. LEAN is not just for the management but for all the employees. Whatever we achieve for LEAN, we achieve it as a company.

What are your goals and expectations for the company this year?

It is my goal to further strengthen our business relationship with Philippine Airlines. I am thankful for the trust that they give us through the years and more than ever I want LTP to validate this trust by giving them quality service that they expect.

As important as growing our line and base maintenance customers is maintaining and keeping our customers satisfied. We should also look into the further development of our Cebu operations. I am expecting an increase in business for our window repair capability and engine teardown operations.

Q&A: Bernhard Krueger-Sprengel

Bernhard Krueger-Sprengel recently spoke to Technilink about the milestones of 2007 and his plans for the new year.

“Our company

is developing

other businesses.

We have started

two ventures: the

window repair and

engine teardown

capabilities.”


Mr. Gherman, this is your third time in our facility, what are the differences that you have noted this time around?

Gherman: The first difference of course that I have noticed is the new hangar. Another notable detail that I have observed is the beginning of the integration of LEAN principles into the company’s work processes. I went to the production area with Mr. Krueger-Sprengel and I’ve seen things moving towards the LEAN idea through the way tools and equipment are stored and the tidiness of the facility.

How would you rate the post-check tech-nical reliability of all Lufthansa German Airlines aircraft which underwent heavy maintenance at LTP?

Gherman: We are tracking the post-check performance of all Lufthansa airplanes together with our colleagues from Aircraft Overhaul in Hamburg. We have established the so-called 30 day rating, which means we are looking at the technical performance of every aircraft 30-days after the re-delivery and compare it with the average technical performance of all aircraft of the same

aircraft type within our fleet. We have seen a lot of improvements in the last years from LTP. We are generally satisfied with the 30-day rating average we have seen after the checks. Our rating is global and includes facilities of the Lufthansa Technik Group and external MRO providers. The consolidated view gives as a good opportunity to observe trends and this allows us to identify which facility is improving on quality or requires improvement. Overall, we are quite satisfied with LTP and your company is heading in the right direction.

Mr. Frielinghaus, from your perspective as the head of the aircraft overhaul op-eration of Lufthansa Technik, how would you describe the network cooperation of Lufthansa German Airlines, Lufthansa Technik and LTP?

Frielinghaus: I’ve been working with LTP’s Aircraft Overhaul Department since 2002. At that time I was head of production in Hamburg and was involved when the first two A330/A340 D-checks for Philippine Airlines were carried out. We had many employees from LTP in Hamburg for training and we were able to build up a real partnership. From the very beginning of LTP’s operation we are closely following its development. LTP is an important member

of the LHT Group and is our prime center for A330/A340 base maintenance.

Please elaborate on the importance of LTP in the LHT base maintenance network.

Frielinghaus: LTP is Lufthansa Technik’s largest provider for A330/A340 work. With the opening of the new hangar, our Group gained additional capacity. LTP has three times more mechanics than we have in Hamburg which really underlines LTP’s importance.

In your visits to LTP, how has your impres-sion changed over the years?

Frielinghaus: In the first years, the main improvement could be seen in the production area. Back in 2002 there were hardly any backshops. A few years later, many backshops were installed. All of the shops have been in operation and running for a number of years now but are still in good condition. I agree with Andreas Gherman’s observation regarding the adherence of LTP to 5S and LEAN practices. I have seen for myself that these processes are working and provided improvements in other parts of the facility. LTP has placed the right emphasis first on the production area and now the other areas.

“LTP is a valued LHT partner. Its strength is its people.”

Q&A: Andreas Gherman and Gerald Frielinghaus

Gerald Frielinghaus, VP for LHT Aircraft Overhaul and Modifi cation and Andreas Gherman, VP for Lufthansa

German Airlines Technical Operations talk about LTP’s importance in the LHT network.

Meet Andreas Gherman,

Vice President for Technical

Operations of Lufthansa

German Airlines and Gerald

Frielinghaus, Vice President

for Aircraft Overhaul and

Modifi cation at Lufthansa

Technik AG.


Kindly explain to us the functions of your department.

Frielinghaus: It’s a combination of production and network management for the Lufthansa Technik Group. In the production side, we concentrate on aircraft overhaul of widebodies like the B747, A330/340, and sometimes B777. We are also concentrating more on cabin modifications. Within the network management, we subcontract aircraft overhaul events to members of the Lufthansa Technik Group and if the capacity is not sufficient, we also talk to other MRO agencies. We started to do this for Lufthansa German Airlines and are performing this service now for Lufthansa Cargo and very soon for bmi.

We are naturally interested in the devel-opments in Malta because we are focus-ing on the same aircraft type. Can you give us an update on Malta?

Frielinghaus: The target for Malta is to start working on its first A330/A340 aircraft in November 2008. There are two important milestones: One is the construction of the hangar, which is on time; and second is recruiting productive personnel, including engineers. The recruitment is ongoing and doing well, but what’s even more important for this program is the training of personnel. The main support will come here from Lufthansa Technik Philippines. We expect quite a number of colleagues from Malta to receive practical training here at LTP. Hamburg will also provide some support. The first layovers in Malta will be also supported by both LHT Hamburg and LTP.

What is interesting to note is that five years ago, Lufthansa Technik Hamburg supported LTP. Now, five years later, LTP is supporting Malta. It is a good example and proof that our base maintenance network works.

Currently an Airbus working party is performing the frame 47 modifi cation on a Lufthansa A340-600 in our hangar. This is also the fi rst time that this type of work is done outside of Airbus. What were the factors which led to the decision to do this fi rst modifi cation in Manila?

Gherman: The important frame 47 modification has a defined flight cycle limit.

In order to save layover days we combined the modification with an upcoming heavy check.

When we started to evaluate, the first information we got from Airbus was that the heavy check layover would need to be extended by 20 days. This was of course not acceptable for us. Today, we are very proud to say that we will not need the estimated additional ground time. This is an achievement of the combined planning by LTP, LHT and Airbus .

Frame 47 is a mandatory modification required for all A340-600 aircraft up to a certain serial number. Lufthansa German Airlines needs to perform this modification on 17 aircraft. LTP performed the first one. This is a huge task that puts additional burden on our operation.

Due to its complicated nature, the actual work is performed by an Airbus working party but only the close coordination between Lufthansa Technik, LTP and Airbus will allow us to further decrease the required down time.

In your own words, how would you de-scribe the strengths of LTP?

Frielinghaus: Clearly, the strength is your people. Their willingness to learn and handle new challenges. This has been proven over the years. The openness of your people allows your company to integrate into the Lufthansa Technik Group network very well. This is a good prerequisite to handle

bigger projects in the future. They are also very courteous and cooperative towards colleagues in other parts of the globe.

Gherman: I agree with Mr. Frielinghaus. We have seen the ability of the company to learn and improve. I believe it is not just that a company learns but it should constantly improve its processes. That is the strength that we have seen here.

Another factor is LTP’s capacity to easily work together with the rest of the LHT Group. LTP has proven to be a team player over the years.

What’s interesting about LTP is that it is a relatively young company in the Lufthansa Technik Group, but it is already in a position to support the new Malta facility. LTP is supporting the LHT network as it grows.

Are there areas for improvement that you can suggest?

Frielinghaus: From our perspective one area that LTP needs to work on is standardization. Using the same processes and documentation, say in logistics and purchasing, would allow a more efficient exchange of information and people within the network.

Gherman: From the airline side, LTP should maintain the high quality of service that it is providing to its customers. We cannot afford quality compromises. Customers expect quality and this needs to be maintained.


In October 2001, Lufthansa Technik Philippines established a technical training division with just fi ve trainers for the purpose of providing fundamental training courses exclusively to LTP employees. Close to seven years later, the technical training division has evolved into Lufthansa Technical Training Philippines (LTTP), a renowned training organization with 35 employees, teaching 30 international customers within the Asian region. Technilink spoke to LTTP general man-ager Holger Beck to talk about the com-pany’s history, current developments and its plans and strategies for the future.

The growth of LTTP is quite impressive. What made this possible?Our strong cooperation with Lufthansa Tech-nik Philippines and Philippine Airlines(PAL) has been instrumental in our success. To sustain a training center’s progress and continual development, constant annual training demand is necessary -- particularly, if fundamentals or basic training programs with duration between six months up to two years are considered.

Since these apprenticeship programs require high financial investment, it needs strong industry partner support. LTP and PAL gave not only this financial stability, but they have also sought the highest standards in maintenance training. Thus, we brought EASA Part-66 approved maintenance training courses to the Philippines turning LTTP into the first and only EASA Part 147 approved Maintenance Training Organization in the country.

What is different today in comparison to, let’s say, fi ve years ago?In the first operational period up until 2005, we were primarily focused on qualifying staff for LTP. Over two thirds of our capacity during that time, we trained junior mechan-ics infusing them with excellent knowledge and developing outstanding hand skills. These highly skilled individuals were then discharged to LTP.

The remaining one third focused on training PAL’s line station engineers and LTP’s certifying staff. This included, but was

Maintenance Training — Entirely focused on serving

the Asian aviation industry

Lufthansa Technical Training Philippines (LTTP)

not limited to, aircraft type training, specialized training, human factors, and recurrent training.

In the meantime, LTP counts on a comprehensive qualification structure, with a training demand share of 60% advanced and type training, while the rest counts for ab-initio or other basic training courses. Thus, the requirement profile for LTTP changed significantly giving priority to advanced training.

How do you cope with this new requirement?It was necessary to align our training center to this new situation. Seventy five percent (75%) of our technical instructors today are Type Training experts and we are still recruiting more trainers with extensive maintenance experience. Which is why we have invested a lot in our training methodology.

We have internal qualification programs where our Instructors regularly undergo technical training courses with manufacturers as well as teaching and learning techniques-programs. Our close proximity to LTP benefits us providing LTTP with recurrent exposure to the line and base maintenance environment. We have also invested in state-of-the art Maintenance Training Devices (MTD) in order to virtually bring the aircraft to the classroom.

Holger Beck, LTTP General Manager


You have just completed your fi rst year in the Philippines, how have you and your family adapted to living here?

I have adjusted very well here and so did my family. At first, humidity was a concern but after a few months I acclimatized. My family joined me summer of 2007 and they have adapted faster than I did. Now, my son and daughter go to school here and have made new friends. They have also pursued activities outside of school. My son plays the guitar in a local band while my daughter plays bass.

After a year of assuming leadership of the company, how have you adjusted to working in the Philippines?

I have learned that due to the friendly nature of the Filipinos, it works better if you have a personal approach in dealing with Filipino colleagues.

From your point of view, what were the company’s most important milestones in the past year?

I am proud to say that we have achieved so much last year. Among these milestones

“I am proud that we have achieved so much last year.”

is the full workload reached at our base maintenance operation.

It was also in 2007 that we inaugurated our new widebody hangar. The opening of the new hangar is significant because this shows that our shareholders support the growth of our company and it signifies worldwide customer acceptance.

I am pleased that for the seven months of 2007, we have reached 99% Technical Maintenance On Time Performance for our key customer, Philippine Airlines.

As well as providing total technical support and focusing on A330/A340 base maintenance, we have shown that our company is developing other businesses. We have started two ventures: the window repair and engine teardown capabilities.

You introduced the LEAN concept to LTP. Are you satisfi ed with the speed of its implementation?

LEAN is all about improving how things are done by bringing in ideas from shop floor employees. It is not just about setting up an organization but rather it involves a change in the mindset of everybody in the organization. It calls for commitment and involvement of all employees.

We started a pilot project last year with the A-check Division (MA3) and the outcome is very promising. I have learned for myself that people in LTP like to work together towards a goal. They are very receptive to change and willingly offer solutions for changes to happen. Personally, I think this is the right way to go. With the support of the LEAN Division, everybody can improve the working environment through efficient use of effort and time. LEAN is not just for the management but for all the employees. Whatever we achieve for LEAN, we achieve it as a company.

What are your goals and expectations for the company this year?

It is my goal to further strengthen our business relationship with Philippine Airlines. I am thankful for the trust that they give us through the years and more than ever I want LTP to validate this trust by giving them quality service that they expect.

As important as growing our line and base maintenance customers is maintaining and keeping our customers satisfied. We should also look into the further development of our Cebu operations. I am expecting an increase in business for our window repair capability and engine teardown operations.

Q&A: Bernhard Krueger-Sprengel

Bernhard Krueger-Sprengel recently spoke to Technilink about the milestones of 2007 and his plans for the new year.

“Our company

is developing

other businesses.

We have started

two ventures: the

window repair and

engine teardown

capabilities.”


A LITTLE past midnight, an aircraft at Philippine’s Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark, Pampanga (80 kilometers from Manila) sits on the ground. A technical difficulty is preventing it from taking off. Lufthansa Technik Philippines, its maintenance provider, immediately assesses the problem and places a call to its Manila base to send in the needed hydraulic module. Within a matter of hours, the required component is delivered enabling the mechanics to solve the technical problem. The aircraft is finally cleared for takeoff and is airborne.

Utilizing the most advanced technology and proven procedures in aircraft maintenance today coupled with Lufthansa Technik’s more than 30-year experience in handling over 100 line maintenance customers worldwide, Lufthansa Technik Philippines is able to handle this kind of situation with proven professionalism and expertise

With highly-skilled and experienced mechanics and engineers available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in the country’s premier airport, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and smaller stations in

Round-the-clock expertise

Line Maintenance

Cebu, Clark and Davao, Lufthansa Technik Philippines provides line maintenance services to more than half of the local and international airlines flying in and out of the country.

LTP provides routine and emergency services, which include technical assistance without Certification of Release to Service (CRS) to full handling with CRS for transit, layover or night stop aircraft.

Through its close partnership with Lufthansa Technical Training Philippines (LTTP) LTP mechanics are certified through EASA Part-66 compliant courses. EASA Part-66 sets a single standard all over the European Union for the qualification of maintenance personnel.

Aside from this training program, LTP works closely with LTTP to help technical personnel complete their initial and recurrent training requirements.

The company has modern, process-oriented and extensive workshops to support day-to-day operations, in line with Lufthansa Technik’s high quality standards. These backshops ensure that necessary support facilities and special skills are available when situations require.

Airlines recognize the value of these workshops and the high level of technical expertise of Lufthansa Technik Philippines mechanics that is why the company is the preferred aircraft maintenance provider in major airports in the country.

To date, LTP’s line maintenance customers include Aircalin, Air Macau, Air Niugini, Air Philippines, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, Eva Air, Japan Airlines, Jetstar Asia, Korean Air, Lufthansa German Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Pacific East Asia Cargo Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways and Royal Brunei Airlines.

Aside from these customers, LTP has always been relied upon to solve AOG situations or provide technical assistance to diverted flights by non-customer airlines.

More importantly, LTP is the trusted service provider in lending line maintenance support to VVIP flights by various international governments.

Broad experience, comprehensive backup facilities and highly competent personnel guarantee that aircraft flying in and out of the Philippines are in the best hands at Lufthansa Technik Philippines.


What do you mean by bringing the air-craft virtually into the classroom?In order to be truly successful in training, it is necessary to practice and execute future job tasks. That way, trainees not only gain knowledge but also real-world skills and competence-of-acting.

You cannot learn to swage a tube fitting, drill holes, or fly an airplane, just by reading a book or listening to a teacher. The practical exposure – actually doing it – is the key, coupled with acquired knowledge. For basic courses, we provide a wide range of work benches, tooling, and mechanical simulators (mock-ups).

But how can we achieve this for aircraft type training courses? Especially when this course comprises sophisticated aircraft systems in a very compressed time? We have invested into simulation software MTD that allows trainees to practice all switching procedures in a flight deck; execute the full application of the Onboard Maintenance System (OMS), which is in reality, the toolbox of today’s mechanic. The MTD also provides virtual aircraft component locator; and the access to the maintenance documentation.

During the class, after the functionality of a specific system has been discussed, the students will find a fault simulated in the MTD, then they need to interrogate the

OMS, look up the correct procedure in the maintenance documentation. The next step is to virtually replace the faulty component, and verify their action by a return-to-service (RTS) test. By doing so, we can simulate the whole process of troubleshooting in the classroom with the effect, that the participants create their competence within

a controlled and safe training environment without risking aircraft damage. The MTD also allows us to train a group of 16 students at a time (Eight workstations for two students each) instead of a small group of four as we did in the past on real aircraft.

What is the customer re-sponse on this?The customers like the fact that their staff can perform their job right after returning

to work. The practical training or on-the-job training period can be significantly reduced and limited to physical component replace-ments, which cannot be simulated so far.

It seems that LTTP has progressed a lot. What are your next steps?In line with our LTT Group strategy, we are further expanding to Japan, Korea, Australia,

New Zealand, the South Pacific, and certainly within the Philippines. We have established a Regional Business Responsibilities (RBR) concept where each of LTT’s worldwidetraining centers is serving its own region. This brings down training costs by reduced travel time, allows closer ties to the customer due to the similar culture and same time zone, and strengthens our global position as a leading maintenance training provider.

Certainly, this all can only be achieved by using globally-accepted and strictly applied quality standards independent of the location.

So far, we can proudly count more than 30 satisfied customers that have received training courses conducted by our highly competent Philippine Technical Instructors.

Contact:Lufthansa Technical Training Philippines, Inc.Phone: +63 2 855 9501Fax: +63 2 855 9533Email: [email protected]

A320 Maintenance Training Device Classroom


IN THE recently held European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Soccer Cup, Lufthansa Technik Philippines valiantly defended its crown as the Soccer Cup Champion when it defeated a formidable opponent in overtime.

Earlier on, the LTP Soccer Team was on a rampage, eliminating opponents from Bosch, Mercedes Benz and Siemens until

Sweet victory—second time around

The Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Transportation Working Group’s(TPT-WG) Philippine Organizing Committee recently visited LTP for a facility tour. Headed by Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Undersecretary Ma. Elena Bautista, the APEC TPT-WG Philippine Organizing Committee is considering Lufthansa Technik Philippines as a showcase point during the APEC Summit in April.

its final face-off with Maersk Industries. LTP plugged all the holes in its defense and went out on an all out offensive that finally sealed Maersk fate in a victorious 1-0 LTP win during overtime.

This is the LTP Soccer Team’s second time to capture the ECCP Soccer Cup, making LTP the back-to-back champion of the tournament. Congratulations!

APEC Organizing

Committee tours

LTP facilities

British Ambassador visits LTP

HER BRITANNIC Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Peter Beckingham, recently visited Lufthansa Technik Philippines for a facility tour. His Excellency also inspected the Virgin Atlantic Airways (VAA) A340-600 aircraft currently undergoing C-check at the new hangar. (From left to right) Paul Kavanagh, VAA Technical Representative, His Excellency Peter Beckingham, Bernhard Krueger-Sprengel, LTP President and CEO, Richard Haas, Vice President for Marketing and Sales posed beside the VAA A340-600 aircraft.

LTP Soccer Team


Lufthansa Technik Philippines successfully supported a Lufthansa German Airlines A340-600 which experienced technical difficulties. The swift resolution of the AOG earned positive feedback from the airline. In a letter to LTP President and CEO Bernhard Krueger-Sprengel, the airline expressed its appreciation for the support given by LTP.

“I would like to thank LTP for the handling of the AOG. The troubleshooting and repair was done quickly with a high level of expertise, enabling the aircraft to be returned to service swiftly,” said Andreas Gherman, Lufthansa German Airlines Vice President for Technical Operations.

“We appreciate that LTP provided us with the needed help,” he said. “We see this as a fine example of the mutual help airlines and MROs are willing to give each other in times of critical need,” Gherman concluded.

Another aircraft kept off the ground

LTP troubleshoots Lufthansa A340-600

THROUGH THE efforts of Lufthansa Technik Philippines, Philippine Airlines hit a record high on its Technical Maintenance On Time Performance (OTP). For the last seven months, covering June 2007 to December 2007, LTP was able to reach an average of 99% OTP for PAL aircraft maintenance originals.

This is an improvement from the average 98.6% OTP registered in 2006.

Several factors contributed to this stellar performance of the PAL fleet, primarily the conscious effort of the Lufthansa Technik Philippines employees to focus

PAL registers 99% OTP for seven consecutive monthson improving the flag carrier’s fleet performance.

“The diligence and perseverance of the employees in scrutinizing each delay and utilizing measures to prevent a repeat of such delays have contributed to this feat,” said Anno Schneider, VP for Aircraft Maintenance.

The application of improvements on maintenance procedures and active management of ground times, which enabled rectifications on hold items list (HIL) were also key factors. Strengthening of the company’s “responsive maintenance”

efforts was also cited as a factor.“We are strengthening our responsive

maintenance in addition to the standard preventive and reactive maintenance. This means responding early to small signs that may potentially develop into aircraft technical trouble,” said Schneider.

In spite of the positive gains, LTP needs to overcome more challenges in order to maintain the 99% OTP. “The aircraft are getting older and older, so we have to expect more wear and tear failures. This will be an issue for the reliability program and the base maintenance events.

Dear readers,

The year 2007 was a successful year

for Lufthansa Technik Philippines. This

success is due mainly to you, our

customers. I would like to thank all of you

for the trust that you have placed in LTP

over the last year. Indeed, I am grateful for

the solid partnership that we enjoyed in

the past year.

Last year we have seen considerable

growth in our customer base and we

have expanded our capacity to meet the

growing demand for base maintenance

checks in the Airbus A330/A340 market.

We have also developed new capabilities

as supplement to our main business.

This year, we will remain in this growth

course to serve our current and future

customers better.

I am looking forward to another year of

partnership built on mutual trust and wish

all of you a prosperous 2008.

Sincerely,

Bernhard Krueger Sprengel

[email protected]

Bernhard Krueger-Sprengel

President & CEO

Lufthansa Technik Philippines

FOUNDED IN the year 2000 as a joint venture of Lufthansa Technik AG and Philippine aviation service provider MacroAsia, Lufthansa Technik Philippines offers a wide range of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to customers worldwide.

The company focuses on base maintenance checks for the A320, A330/A340 types of aircraft. Four hangar bays and workshops have been upgraded to the latest industry standards to support aircraft maintenance, major modifications, cabin reconfigurations, engine maintenance and painting for the A320, A330/A340, B747-400 and B737 aircraft. A new widebody hangar was recently added to meet the increasing demand for A330/A340 base maintenance checks.

LTP provides total technical and engineering support for the Philippine Airlines (PAL) fleet. It is also rendering line

• Aircalin• Air Macau• Air Mauritius• Air Niugini• Air Philippines• Air Tahiti Nui • Asiana Airlines• Austrian Airlines• bmi• Cathay Pacific• China Airlines• Eva Air• Gulf Air• Japan Airlines• Jet Airways• Jetstar Asia

• Korean Air• Lufthansa German

Airlines • Malaysia Airlines• MyTravel Airways• Pacific East Asia

Cargo Airlines• Philippine Airlines• Qantas Airways• Qatar Airways• Royal Brunei

Airlines• Starflyer• Thomas Cook

Airlines UK• Virgin Atlantic

Airways


TechniLink is published quarterly by Lufthansa Technik Philippines for its customers and friends. http://www.ltp.com.ph

editorLiza Martija associate editorEmir Samonte art directorGildo Velarde correspondentJessamine de Perio adviserRichard Haas [email protected]

maintenance to more than 20 domestic and international carriers.

Through a partnership with Lufthansa Technical Training Philippines (LTTP), LTP mechanics are certified through EASA Part 66-compliant courses.

LTP holds repair station certificates from the FAA, EASA, ATO and other airworthiness authorities.

Our customers:

Baguio City Panagbenga Festival

A million flower’s splendor

TechniLink 4th Quarter 2007

AS THE summer season approaches, Baguio City (250 kilometers north of Manila) known also as the City of Pines and the Summer Capital of the Philippines starts blooming with radiance and fragrance of its wide array of flowers.

Baguio City is the first place that comes to mind when the summer heat touches down on the Philippines. Travelers do not mind the five to six hours’ travel from Manila via land transportation because it is always worth the magnificent experience that awaits them. Not only does Baguio stays cool amidst the hot season, more so, it is swathed with the beauty of different flora that is sure to be a treat to the eyes and an olfactory teaser for anyone who would visit the city at this time of the year.

The Baguio Flower Festival is the biggest and much awaited festival in the City of Pines. This is an annual pageantry also known as Panagbenga Festival, a kankanaey term for “a season of blooming, a time for flowering.” The festival is held yearly during the month of February and extends for over a month of celebration with the weekends as its peak periods. This tradition started in February 1995 as homage to the beautiful flowers the city is famous for and as a celebration of Baguio’s re-establishment after the 1990 earthquake that distressed much of the city.

Initially, Panagbenga featured only a few activities, which included the search for the Festival Queen, a floral parade, the market encounter—an exhibit of Baguio’s native product, and the village beautification contest. The celebration was eventually kicked off by school children dancing in the streets, wearing a variety of flowers as headdress. Session Road, the city’s main artery, is literally transformed into a sea of flowers swaying to the heightened beat of drums and trumpets. The creative talents of people who come up with floats decorated with beautiful flowers never fail to amaze the multitude of people, not only from Baguio but also tourists from other parts of the country and the world who come to watch the floral parade.

This festival has several highlights, which are truly worth looking forward to. Part of these is the Market Encounter at Camp John Hay where flower growers and landscapers sell flower arrangements and landscaping items. This event gives the tourists the opportunity to appreciate authentic Baguio products. There is also The Session Road in Bloom, which showcases the Cordillera’s (region where Baguio City is part) ancient and colorful art of weaving called “ikat.” Another much anticipated event is The Flower Tee Golf Tournament that compliments John Hay’s rolling carpet of greens.

The Baguio Flower Festival continues to

grow bigger in magnitude because of the new activities that are constantly added and the continued support given by various participants and contributors.

At present, the Panagbenga is a major event not only in Baguio’s tourism calendar but for the country as well. There is no doubt that Panagbenga has become a yearly tradition that is uniquely Baguio in color, scope, substance and character. The Baguio Flower Festival is definitely like no other and it will continue to bloom in the hearts of the people behind its success and the people who witness its splendor.

TechniLink1st Quarter

2008

Phone +63-2-855-9319 Fax +63-2-855-9309 [email protected]

Round-the-clock expertiseLine Maintenance

Address: MacroAsia Special Economic Zone, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City 1309 Philippines

Phone: +63 2 855 2222 ext. 8525/8526 Fax: +63 2 855 9309 E-mail: [email protected]

techni link files/tl_1q08_ce.pdftechni link 1st quarter 2008 ... as supplement to our main business....

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