Page 38 - AAA MARCH - APRIL 2016 Online Magazine

INTERVIEW AMECO

Turning Full Circle

ON jUNE 1ST, 2015, THE mERGER OF to bring the systems together and become
the former Air China Technik and Ameco, even more efficient, we are still now working
resulted in the new Ameco Beijing. Located in some areas on different systems as each
out of Beijing, the new Ameco Beijing has facility has developed its own processes and
10 other branches all over P.R. China. Dr. own standards. They are good and stable
Hans-Juergen Loss, Executive Director of processes in all facilities. Now we will to
Operations at Ameco Division, in an interview bring the systems together and we will lead
to Asian Airlines & Aerospace, says Ameco the new company according to a product
Beijing is not only looking at Maintenance, oriented principles working with standard
Repair and Overhaul (MRO) requirements in processes. This means not focusing so much
China, but also the full spectrum of aircraft on the facility but focussing very much on
overhaul for international carriers. Excerpts the product and the customer, that will give
from the interview: us higher flexibility and quick learning. The
challenge for the next two years is to really
AAA: What are the developments that offer the same services from any of our
have been taking place at Ameco Beijing? Dr. Hans-Juergen Loss, Executive Director of facilities at a competitive cost.
Loss: On the first of June 2015, we announced Operations, Ameco Division, China
the merger of former Air China Technik AAA: What are the investments
(ACT) and Ameco which has resulted in the increase of the company, the share of being allocated at Ameco Beijing?
new Ameco Beijing. The former AMECO Lufthansa has reduced from 40% to 25%. Loss: We are quite lucky in that the facilities
with very few exceptions was doing MRO Lufthansa has made a decision not to invest that we have do not need basic investments
work in Beijing only and ACT was present any additional money in this new JV, but their right now. We can focus on investments
in 10 airports and facilities around China. engagement remains stable financial wise that increase efficiency and are innovative.
After careful discussions, the final step to as well as management wise. Over the last Our major investment now goes into our
sign and found the new AMECO Beijing was few years Lufthansa always had a team of people. We are involving them deeply in
taken. The new Ameco Beijing is based in roughly 15 people from Lufthansa Technik specifying the processes. People are skilled
Beijing and has 10 other branches all over group and not only from Germany. Lufthansa and professional but we continuously have
P.R. China. The new company remains a Joint will from now on also have managerial to invest in what really makes the big
Venture (JV) between Air China Technik and engagement in the Chengdu facility. difference.
Lufthansa. Lufthansa has invested in this We want to make this new company very
JV for the last 26 years and there is an even relevant to the market not only servicing AAA:What is the work being done
longer history in China. the requirements of the China market, but in China by Ameco Beijing?
Now with the new set-up we have a also being a very attractive partner for all Loss: We have not done work outside
company that has altogether 11,200 people international carriers for the full spectrum China and we have shown in the JV that
which is spread out all over China. The two of aircraft overhaul, line services, landing we successfully cooperate with Lufthansa
biggest facilities are located at Beijing and gear, components and engines (limited to Technik for example on modifications
Chengdu and are quite experienced in doing some engine types). for CF-34, where Lufthansa Technik
third party servicing. Different customers AERO Alzey GmbH (LTAA) does the HPC
come with different requirements so it is AAA: What would your immediate modification in Germany while we do
important that we adapt quickly and this priorities be over the next two engine disassembly, assembly and testing
long experience helps in this regard. years for the new company? in China. We also do share work in landing
Lufthansa remains stable in its financial Loss: The priorities for Ameco-Beijing over gear overhaul with the Lufthansa Technik
engagement with the JV but due to the the next two years are clearly set: We have facility in Hamburg.

We want to make this new company very relevant to the market not only

servicing the requirements of the China market, but also being a very

attractive partner for all international carriers

38 ASIAN AIRLINES & AEROSPACE MARCH / APRIL 2016 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/AAA