Lufthansa Technik, along with its joint venture partner Pepperl+Fuchs, has sold all shares in 3D.aero.

Founded in 2017, 3D.aero was set up to research, develop and sell innovative automation and digitisation solutions for the aviation industry.

As well as industrial maintenance and factory automation solutions, Hamburg-based 3D.aero also offers optical measuring device applications, digital inspection and image processing applications and related consulting services.

Lufthansa Technik said the impact of Covid-19 had necessitated the sale, with “an orientation towards new markets necessary [to] ensure the survival” of 3D.aero.

Luxembourg-based Espace 2001 has acquired the company, as of 1 January 2021. It specialises in industrial robotics and image processing, and said it intended to “further develop 3D.aero’s portfolio and to market the company’s existing products and expertise in sensor-based automation technology in various industries outside of aerospace”.

Lufthansa Technik’s vice president engine services Dietmar Focke commented: “We are extremely pleased that in Espace 2001 we have found a buyer that not only has a high level of expertise but also the necessary broad market positioning. I wish our employees the best of luck and success in their new working home, and thank them for the great work they have done over the past few years.”