Sabena technics Restructures Brussels MRO

Jan 27, 2009
By Lee Ann Tegtmeier/AviationWeek.com

Sabena technics launched a restructuring project at its Brussels maintenance facility on Jan. 22 to reduce operating costs and improve productivity to stem decreasing revenue. Parts of the expected actions include closing a line of civil aircraft heavy maintenance and decreasing 371 of 1,100 of the Brussels facility's workforce.

Sabena technics said its Brussels maintenance business expects to lose about 13 million euros in 2008, with an annual turnover of 125 million euros. It cited a decrease in airline and cargo flight hours as well as an operational structure in Brussels that needs to be more efficient. Sabena technics reduced its turnover predictions for this year, in comparison to last year's results.

However, Sabena technics, which is part of the TAT Group, emphasized it remains convinced of the Brussels Airport's growth potential and believes the planned operational changes will strengthen the Brussels facility and help it continue maintenance activities there.

Without undertaking these actions, the company said in a press release that "the continuity of the company would be at risk."

In a letter to customers dated Jan. 23, Christophe Bernardini, CEO of Sabena technics Group, said, "The project concerns the Brussels site alone and will have no impact on the organization and activities of our other sites."