Interview with Sebastian Sattler, Key Account Manager of Lufthansa Technik Switzerland Mr.Sattler highlights the areas of cooperation under the agreement between Eznis Airways and Lufthansa Technik Switzerland GmbH to provide technical services for the airline’s two Avro RJ85 aircrafts scheduled to operate in Mongolia in June and July of 2011.Please tell us about Lufthansa Technik and your role with the company?Lufthansa Technik is part of the German Lufthansa Group and one of the leading aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations in the world. It is also the main aircraft maintenance provider for Lufthansa’s fleet, which ranges from regional jets to the A380, the largest commercial airliner in the world.
After several years of work in the headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, my role is now to be the responsible manager for the relationship between Lufthansa Technik Switzerland, a subsidiary located in Basel, Switzerland, and its Avro RJ-operating customers, Eznis Airways of Mongolia and Swiss International Air Lines of Switzerland.
Please tell us about Lufthansa Technik’s main customers/airlines? Lufthansa Technik provides technical services for airlines around the world, from ones to small ones. The company’s customers range, from top-notch European airlines, such as Lufthansa German Airlines and Swiss to international joint-ventures with the technical divisions of Qantas of Australia and Air China. Additionally, not just airlines rely on us, but also governments and private owners depend on aircraft completion and maintenance by Lufthansa Technik.
Lufthansa Technik and Eznis Airways have recently signed an agreement. Please tell us about your cooperation and what the agreement covers?Eznis will be supported in many ways:
The maintenance schedule for Eznis’ Avro RJ aircraft will be developed by Lufthansa Technik engineers in Switzerland, in addition to several other engineering services, such as aircraft purchase inspection support. Before start of operation with the Avro RJ, Eznis maintenance staff will be at Lufthansa Technik Switzerland for practical training.
Experienced maintenance staff from Lufthansa Technik’s Switzerland subsidiary will be assigned to Ulaanbaatar for a long-term knowledge transfer to Eznis and quality maintenance right from the very beginning.
Eznis has decided to introduce AMOS, a Swiss IT system that allows keeping track of all maintenance issues. This is a huge step for Eznis and quite an investment, but it supports the company’s goal to grow in size rather than remain a local operator. We are going to support the software’s introduction as well.
Last but not least, Lufthansa Technik Switzerland is proud to have been selected by Eznis to serve repair and overhaul services to their Avro RJ’s engines for at least five years.
What are the advantages of Avro RJ 85 aircraft?
The British-built Avro RJ85 is a proven, reliable aircraft that combines a compact, sturdy fuselage with an airliner size cabin, as opposed to the typically smaller sized turboprops.
Though being a jet, the Avro RJ85 can operate from unpaved runways. Its unique performance characteristics allow the aircraft safe access to difficult and remote airports, while traveling at jet speed when at cruising altitude.
However, it will remain silent – the “RJ” is known for its low external noise, though having a total of four turbofan engines instead of two as other regional jets.
What does the cooperation mean for passengers of Eznis?
Although the Avro RJ is quite unique in the area, passengers can rely on high-quality maintenance, which translates into improved safety for passengers, and high technical dispatch reliability (i.e. punctuality) of the aircraft right from the first day of the aircraft’s operation with Eznis. In addition to reliable and safe operations, the Avro RJ 85 aircraft has a spacious cabin layout.
What is your impression of Mongolia?
In the capital I can still see the inheritance of the past, but also very modern buildings, which make it an interesting mix for a European like me. I immediately recognized the population seems to be very young in average, which I think will contribute to greater prosperity in the decades to come.
The landscape with mountains and wide-open spaces is very beautiful. Being able to enjoy such a vast countryside is a luxury in my eyes, coming from a country with a much higher density of population.
I am very impressed by the hospitality and friendliness of people that I experienced here in Mongolia. Please keep that.