Up to 180 redundancies are to be sought following Lufthansa Technik Shannon Limited’s sale to Atlantic Aviation Group.

Founded in 1989 with a current workforce of 485, Lufthansa Technik Shannon Limited specialises in the provision of airline and aircraft maintenance, engineering, painting and technical services and is a subsidiary of Lufthansa Technik AG.

As first reported by The Clare Echo, the acquisition of LTSL by Atlantic Aviation Group will secure approximately 300 jobs. While the final numbers are still approximate, it is proposed that over 300 roles will be secured at LTSL, while approximately 180 roles are at risk of redundancy. The consultation process around the proposed redundancies will commence over the coming weeks.

Redundancies are to be in management roles, direct roles in production, administration and support staff.

CEO and MD of Lufthansa Technik Shannon Ltd, Pat Shine outlined that COVID-19 led to “an extensive strategic review of the business to determine its future. Every option was explored, the priority being to protect the maximum number of jobs and the specialist experience of the LTSL workforce. The sale of LTSL to AAG, a company that understands our business and has a strategy for growth through acquisition, presented itself as the most viable solution to minimise job losses”.

He added, “This is a really difficult day for our colleagues in LTSL, many of whom have worked for the company for more than 15 years. LTSL has always had an excellent reputation and is known as a centre of excellence for training and aircraft maintenance provision. Our people are the reason for this reputation and I wish to thank all the LTSL staff for their commitment, professionalism and battling spirit that have helped us to keep going over the last thirty years. We will need this to be continued by those who remain to sustain the legacy we have created in the Mid-West region”.

LTSL will now enter a consultation period with employee representatives with the transfer of shares in LTSL to AAG is expected to be completed by 31 March 2022.

Clarity is needed on the future of all existing full-time jobs at Lufthansa Technik Shannon Ltd. as well as the retention of the two aviation hangars used by the Clare-based operation, Deputy Michael McNamara (IND) has said.

Reacting to the acquisition of LTSL by AAG, McNamara said he would be requesting more detail at a briefing to be held by the companies on Wednesday morning. He praised the employees of Lufthansa Technik Shannon Ltd. who “have played a key role in ensuring the future of the operation through their engagement with management and SIPTU over the past year. This included staff staggering work shifts with staff taking paid leave by availing of days built up over the years.

“While the majority of contract staff were released in the last year, particularly at the beginning of the pandemic, management at the company has continued to engage with worker’s representatives from SIPTU. Following on from today’s announcement, it is important now that clarity is provided on all full-time positions at the company,” McNamara concluded.