Aircraft engineering and maintenance company, MESA, has officially obtained a license to build a second hangar at Beja Airport (BJY) in São Brissos, Portugal.

Working in partnership with ANA|VINCI Airports (ANA), the expansion will improve MESA’s ability to provide comprehensive services including base and line maintenance, cabin interior upgrades and modifications, engine and landing gear replacement, and hydraulic tests.

Furthermore, the facility will also enable defect corrections, SBs, Ads, MPD, and Out of Phase Tasks Modifications, plus engine boroscope inspections.

The total investment into the second hangar is an estimated €60 million. This is to support infrastructure, equipment, and the training of new technicians.

The new facility will span 11,000 sqm and is designed to accommodate all aircraft from the Airbus family.

The project will aid Beja Airport in its efforts to be recognised as a hub for industrial and aerospace development in Europe, and a leader in aircraft maintenance services locally, as well as internationally.

ANA is responsible for managing 10 airports across Portugal and will collaborate with MESA on the new project, asserting that the primary focus for sustainable development at the airport to be on aero-industrial activities, including aircraft maintenance, recycling, enhanced terminal capacity, and air cargo operations.

Thierry Ligonnière, chief executive of ANA Aeroportos de Portugal, said of the expansion: “This project not only reinforces Portugal’s strategic position in the aeronautical maintenance sector but also consolidates BYJ’s role as a driver of the region’s economic and social progress.

“We congratulate MESA, our partner, and recognise the commitment of the ANA teams involved, whose dedication was essential to achieving this further step in strengthening BYJ’s operations.”

David Cruz, chief executive of MESA, also commented: “With the opening of our first hangar in 2021, we have already seen remarkable success. Now, with this second hangar, we will be able to triple our capacity and continue to offer the highest quality maintenance services to our clients…We look forward to continuing the development of Beja Airport and its surrounding industrial infrastructure.”