British Airways has announced its intention to acquire Boeing's hangar facility and MRO business at Gatwick Airport (Gatwick), securing jobs and strengthening its presence at the airport. The move will enhance BA's engineering capabilities, benefiting both customers and operations.
The transaction includes the creation of a new wholly owned subsidiary, British Airways Engineering Gatwick (BAEG), which will join BA's existing engineering divisions in South Wales (BAEW) and Glasgow (BAMG). Boeing employees at the facility will transfer to BAEG following a consultation process in the second quarter of this year.
This acquisition is a key part of BA's long-term strategy to expand its engineering operations. In addition to securing existing roles, BA plans to recruit more staff and grow the Gatwick facility, reinforcing its role as a vital engineering hub within the airline's network.
The Gatwick facility will allow BA to increase minor maintenance on 777 aircraft and in-source some scheduled heavy maintenance for its A320/A321 fleet, reducing the need to transfer aircraft to other bases. This expansion will also improve BA's ability to handle unscheduled repairs and relieve capacity pressures across its network, contributing to its sustainability goals.
BA Chief Technical Officer Andy Best emphasised the benefits of the acquisition, welcoming new employees and highlighting the added expertise and modern facilities. He stated: “This will support the reliability of our entire fleet, which is good news for our customers and colleagues. We're proud of our Gatwick operation, and this underlines our commitment to the airport.”
Subject to regulatory conditions, the transaction marks a significant investment in BA's engineering future, ensuring operational efficiency and strengthening the airline's presence at Gatwick.
