DHL Express Expands with New Aircraft Maintenance Hub in Spain

2 months ago Editor

DHL Express is investing over $43.4 million to open a new aircraft maintenance hangar in Vitoria, Spain, by mid-2027, enhancing its European operations.

DHL Express is set to invest over $43.4 million to establish a new aircraft maintenance hangar at Vitoria Airport, Spain, by mid-2027. This will be the company’s second major European maintenance center, aimed at easing the load on its primary facility in Leipzig, Germany. The new center will support the growing demand for airfreight services, initially creating about 50 jobs and focusing on the maintenance of DHL’s Boeing 757 freighters.

The 212,000-square-foot hangar will house storage areas for essential aircraft parts like engines and landing gear. Strategically located near European countries and Morocco, the facility will offer a shorter travel distance for aircraft requiring heavy maintenance.

This new maintenance hub underscores DHL’s commitment to bolstering its operational capabilities in Europe amidst a surge in parcel business. By enhancing its infrastructure, DHL can ensure more efficient and reliable service, meeting the rising demands of its customers. The location in Spain not only provides logistical advantages but also taps into a skilled workforce, further strengthening DHL’s operational excellence.

In addition to the new facility in Spain, DHL’s substantial investments in its maintenance infrastructure across the globe, including a $192 million center at its U.S. hub near Cincinnati, reflect the company’s strategic vision to support its expanding fleet and global operations. These developments highlight the critical role of robust maintenance facilities in maintaining fleet reliability and operational efficiency.

UPS has similarly expanded its maintenance capabilities, opening a $220 million hangar at its global air hub in Louisville, Kentucky. This trend among logistics giants underscores the growing importance of advanced maintenance facilities in ensuring the smooth operation of increasingly complex and demanding airfreight networks.