Global MRO provider FL Technics is set to open a new heavy maintenance hangar in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, marking a significant expansion of its global network. The move comes in response to the rising demand for maintenance services for aging narrow-body fleets, particularly Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 family aircraft, which are widely operated by low-fare carriers.
With new aircraft backlogs at record highs, airlines are increasingly extending the life of older fleets. FL Technics’ new facility aims to provide efficient heavy maintenance solutions, including advanced non-destructive testing (NDT), composites, heavy sheet metal structures, and paint services, to keep these aircraft in service safely and reliably.
Juozas Lapeika, Deputy CEO for Base Maintenance at FL Technics, said the hangar’s focus is on efficiency for low-cost carriers operating aging narrow-body fleets. “Heavy defects are our niche, and we will aim to become the top-choice MRO provider in the region,” he added.
Strategically located in Punta Cana — a region that previously lacked independent MRO capacity — the hub will be developed in three phases, starting with five bays and eventually expanding to twenty. Each bay will deploy large, specialized teams working in parallel to ensure faster turnaround and redelivery.
Beyond infrastructure, FL Technics is partnering with local vocational institutions to create train-to-hire programs, preparing specialists for both current and next-generation fleets. The company will also relocate experienced professionals from its other global facilities to mentor the new workforce.
The Punta Cana hangar is scheduled to open by the end of the year, with the first phase creating 300 jobs and long-term plans to employ up to 2,000 staff.
