DHL Express has announced plans to invest more than €40m in developing a new European aircraft maintenance hangar at Vitoria Airport in Spain.
Expected to be operational by mid-2027, the new facility will be DHL Express’ second most important maintenance centre in Europe after its facility at Leipzig Airport in Germany.
“We are excited to confirm that DHL Express’ new European aircraft maintenance hangar will be located in Vitoria-Gasteiz. It is key to securing our aircraft maintenance capacity for the coming years based on the expected business growth,” said Jesús Sánchez, senior vice president hubs & gateways, DHL Express Europe.
“The facility will not only alleviate pressure on Leipzig’s repair operations but also provide opportunities for local skilled workers, particularly aviation technicians.”
The new centre will be located to the west of the existing DHL Express hub at Vitoria Airport, covering more than 19,700 sq m. It will comprise 6,600 sq m of hangar space, 1,605 sq m of outdoor facilities, and 11,500 sq m of apron (runway) space.
The hangar, initially employing around 50 people, is set to focus on maintenance tasks for the DHL Boeing 757 fleet or other company aircraft. Beyond the hangar, the facility will include office spaces and storage areas for tools and major aircraft parts such as engines, APU systems, landing gear and thrust reversers.
“The location of Vitoria-Gasteiz, close to European countries and Morocco, the capacity and operational capabilities of Vitoria Airport and the support we have received from public institutions and local authorities have made it the perfect location,” added Tomás Holgado, vice president of hubs & Ggateways of DHL Express Spain. “The new facility underscores DHL Express’ commitment to continued investment in Spain, a crucial player in our global strategy.”
In line with DHL Group’s aim of net-zero emissions by 2050, the new hangar will be carbon-neutral. It will also help DHL Express reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing the number of positioning flights to non-DHL European maintenance facilities, said DHL. The centre will further offer the advantage of a shorter distance for the overhaul and recovery of out-of-service aircraft on the Iberian Peninsula.