British Airways to Acquire Boeing’s MRO Facility at Gatwick
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Loading... - Petra Vogel
- 18 Feb 2025
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British Airways has announced its plans to acquire the Boeing hangar facility and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) business located at Gatwick Airport. This strategic move aims to secure jobs, strengthen the airline's presence at the airport, and enhance customer service by integrating additional skills, expertise, and facilities into its operations.
As part of this acquisition, British Airways will establish British Airways Engineering Gatwick (BAEG), a new wholly-owned engineering subsidiary. This subsidiary will complement the airline’s existing engineering operations in South Wales (BAEW) and Glasgow (BAMG). The transition will involve transferring workers currently employed by Boeing at the facility to the new subsidiary in the second quarter of this year, pending an employee information and consultation process.
British Airways has characterized this acquisition as a “significant investment” that aligns with its strategy to expand its engineering capabilities. The airline anticipates that the new facility will not only enhance its operational efficiency but also create opportunities for future recruitment and growth at Gatwick.
Andy Best, Chief Technical Officer at British Airways, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Today’s announcement will help us to be the very best in the business by bringing in the skills and expertise of former Boeing colleagues and adding a large, modern hangar to our portfolio of engineering facilities.” He emphasized that this development will support the reliability of the airline’s entire fleet, benefiting both customers and employees.
The takeover of the Boeing facility is expected to significantly bolster British Airways’ engineering operations at Gatwick. The airline will be able to continue performing minor maintenance on its Boeing B777 aircraft at the airport, while also increasing its capacity to in-source scheduled heavy maintenance work for its Airbus A320 and A321 fleets.
Furthermore, the acquisition will enhance the airline's ability to conduct unscheduled repair work, providing additional maintenance resilience and alleviating capacity challenges at other locations within the airline’s network.
British Airways’ acquisition of Boeing’s MRO facility at Gatwick marks a pivotal step in the airline’s commitment to enhancing its engineering operations and service capabilities. By integrating the expertise of former Boeing employees and expanding its facilities, British Airways aims to improve the reliability of its fleet and strengthen its presence at Gatwick Airport. This strategic investment not only secures existing jobs but also paves the way for future growth and recruitment, reinforcing the airline’s dedication to operational excellence.
