Exoskeletons to make physically strenuous work easier for employees. Credit: Lufthansa Technik.

Lufthansa Technik Malta is conducting a series of tests to examine innovative aircraft maintenance technologies at its new ‘innovation bay’.

The technologies are expected to help reduce aircraft layovers for maintenance checks and will eventually help the airlines.

They are being tested directly in the hangar during actual aircraft checks.

One of the technologies currently being tested at Lufthansa Technik Malta is mobile 3D scanners, which are used to conduct detailed measurements of structural damage.

“Our aim is to improve base maintenance processes and then use the improved processes across all our locations.”

The company is also trialling a solution for drone-based aircraft skin inspections, as well as exoskeletons provided by different entities. These are designed to offer relief to employees during physically exhausting production activities.

Depending upon the practical use of these technologies, Lufthansa Technik intends to use them in all kinds of checks for a range of aircraft types. The technologies will also be introduced at the company’s other maintenance facilities.

Lufthansa Technik Malta CEO Marcus Motschenbacher said: “Our aim is to improve base maintenance processes and then use the improved processes across all our locations.

“This enables us to guarantee the same quality and standards at the highest technological level throughout the Lufthansa Technik Group’s network.”

In order to trial new solutions, Lufthansa Technik Malta is set to partner with startup and established technology companies.

The solutions will be selected on ‘top trends’ and ‘day-to-day requirements’.

Lufthansa Technik is planning to create more innovation bays at its other locations worldwide.