British Airways (BA) has announced it will acquire Boeing’s hangar facility and MRO business at Gatwick Airport – a move that secures jobs, strengthens BA’s engineering presence, and reinforces the airline’s long-term commitment to the airport.

The acquisition will enhance BA’s operational capabilities by integrating additional expertise and resources into its engineering division, ultimately benefiting customers with improved aircraft reliability and maintenance efficiency.

As part of the deal, BA will establish a new wholly-owned engineering subsidiary, British Airways Engineering Gatwick (BAEG), joining its existing operations in South Wales (BAEW) and Glasgow (BAMG). Subject to an employee consultation process, Boeing’s current workforce at the facility will transfer to BAEG in Q2 2025.

BA says this strategic investment is a key milestone in its ongoing engineering expansion. Over time, the airline anticipates hiring additional staff and growing the facility’s capabilities.

BA’s current engineering operation at Gatwick plays a crucial role in the airline’s global maintenance network, and with this acquisition, its capacity as a major maintenance hub will be significantly strengthened.

The expanded Gatwick facility will enable BA to increase in-house maintenance of its Boeing 777 and Airbus A320/A321 fleets, reducing the need to send aircraft to other bases. This not only boosts efficiency and operational resilience but also aligns with BA’s broader sustainability objectives by minimising aircraft repositioning for maintenance.

Andy Best, chief technical officer at British Airways, said: “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. It will support the reliability of our entire fleet, which is good news for our customers and colleagues.

“We’re proud of our Gatwick operation and this will give us a stronger presence which underlines our commitment to the airport.

“I’d like to welcome our new colleagues to British Airways, including highly-skilled and experienced licensed aircraft engineers. I’m delighted that, subject to consultation, they will be joining the BA family and I hope to be recruiting more people in the future.”

The transaction remains subject to standard regulatory approvals and conditions.