The Engineers Ireland Midlands region and the Thomond Region held a joint visit to Lufthansa Technik Turbine Shannon for a presentation and a site tour of the company on October 20, 2023. The visit was organised by the chairs of both regions, Philip Glover David Purcell respectively.

Lufthansa Technik Turbine Shannon (LTTS) is a world class provider of aircraft engine component repair services to airlines and engine overhaul shops from all over the world.

LTTS specialises in the repair of components for both high pressure and low pressure turbines for CFMI and GE aircraft engines. Originally founded in 1992, today it employs almost 300 staff and has some 8,000 sq m of floor space available at its main Shannon site.

High-quality component repair

David Purcell, chair of the Thomond Region and senior engineering leader at LTTS, said: “I was delighted to organise this joint event at Lufthansa Technik in Shannon and demonstrate our expertise in the repair of aircraft engine components. In LTTS, we are very proud of our record of high-quality component repair and our highly skilled workforce.

During the visit, Declan O’Driscoll, the engineering manager at LTTS, provided an overview of the organisation. He discussed how LTTS has recovered from the challenges posed to the airline industry by the Covid-19 pandemic and is now investing in the Shannon region's future.

In 2023, the company opened a new facility in the Shannon industrial estate, demonstrating Lufthansa Technik’s commitment to further growth in the midwest region.

During the site tour, the visitors were given the opportunity to witness some of the advanced technology and processes in action at the site. One of the key highlights of the tour was a demonstration of how the repair of engine components takes place.

'The safest mode of transport'

After the tour Philip Glover, chair of the Midlands region said: “Thank you for organising a very enjoyable site visit. We truly gained an understanding of the level of Lufthansa Technik’s workforce expertise. Your informative presentation and tour worked intrinsically in demonstrating the extent you go to, to guarantee every part Lufthansa Technik returns to the market is as good as new. I came away satisfied flying is the safest mode of transport.”

LTTS is an Engineers Ireland CPD accredited employer and in 2018 won the prestigious CPD Employer of the Year award. This year, LTTS accredited their engineering graduate program and now, proudly use the Engineers Ireland logo for this program.

The event was also attended by members of An Riocht including their chair, Jeremiah Flynn, who said: "From an Engineering Interaction perspective it was inspiring to see a world class facility in the Southern region which specialises in the repair of complex components for both high pressure and low pressure turbines on varied aircraft engines. 

"This includes engineers involved in the design, material selection, preparation, laser machining, quality assurance, and stringent delivery standards involved. 

"This collaborative face to face approach for visits to companies especially expanding their facilities should be used by Engineers Ireland as a reach out methodology especially for regional groups as well as informing the engineering profession as a whole. Thanks to Philip and David Purcell and all the engineering staff of Lufthansa in Shannon for their excellent presentations, Q&A sessions, and hospitality."