While planes continue not to take off at the rate they did before the pandemic, Vueling is preparing to optimize its business model and overcome the crisis with a better position. For months, the Barcelona-based airline, part of the IAG group, has been working on a new aircraft maintenance model that will allow it to have more competitive cost and quality levels.
The new formula chosen by Vueling for line maintenance involves creating a joint venture with Nayak Aircraft Services. Starting in September, the new company, Yellow Technic by Nayak, will be responsible for all operations carried out when the aircraft is stopped on the airport runway, including simple or unforeseen interventions, such as changing a tire or a brake. Thanks to this agreement, Nayak will create 200 jobs at Barcelona Airport. Until now, Iberia was the company responsible for carrying out these tasks on the tarmac.
This is not the first time the Barcelona-based airline has worked with Nayak. It has done so since 2014 in its operations in France, Italy, and the Netherlands. With more than 46 years of experience, Nayak is one of the leading line maintenance companies internationally, serving around 200 airlines, especially in the low-cost sector.
Likewise, Iberia, also part of the IAG group, will boost its major maintenance activity in the El Prat hangar. Iberia Mantenimiento will operate mainly for Vueling, but also for other companies. Major maintenance interventions are those determined by the manufacturer and ratified by Civil Aviation. Of greater complexity, they require the total shutdown of the aircraft.
To cover this new service, Iberia Mantenimiento will adapt its hangar and invest in support workshops that will allow it to expand its current capabilities. The hangar, where it also develops line maintenance services, has an area of 13,200 square meters and is located on a 24,000 square meter plot.