Canadian airline WestJet has awarded a CFM56-7B engine maintenance contract to Lufthansa Technik.

Under the agreement, Lufthansa Technik will provide WestJet with access to a range of services including overhaul capabilities and on-site maintenance support.

WestJet’s vice president of technical operations Gandeephan Ganeshalingam said: “WestJet is excited to move forward in this new agreement with Lufthansa Technik in a dynamic new programme to support our fleet.

“Working with a support organisation that understands the airline perspective and needs serves to enhance the value of support brought to the table.

“This is the result of a very competitive process started in January 2021 that resulted in Lufthansa Technik’s team being awarded a contract that provides leading value and support through a team approach offering creative solutions.”

Under a separate agreement, Lufthansa Technik has collaborated with Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors LLC (FTAI) to provide WestJet with access to CFM56 modules and material to support the maintenance programme.

Lufthansa Technik’s vice president of corporate sales North America Georgios Ouzounidis said: “In subcontracting a third party supplier like FTAI, we are confident that we will be able to provide a high quality and reliable product at a competitive cost.

“One major pillar in our collaboration is that we will be able to, where appropriate, further optimise an engine’s life. This results in high engine reliability and stable operations for WestJet.”