Czech Airlines Technics begins aircraft paint shop construction

Czech Airlines Technics (CSAT) is expanding its services this autumn to include aircraft painting. Construction of the new paint shop in Hangar S at Václav Havel Airport Prague began in April and is expected to be completed by October. With an investment of 75 million crowns, the Prague Airport subsidiary plans to paint approximately 25 aircraft per-year to meet the growing demand.

“This new service will enable us to offer a comprehensive range of maintenance and painting services in one location, eliminating the need for aircraft flyovers. Previously, the lack of a paint shop hindered our competitiveness in tenders. We are excited to address this gap and significantly boost our market position. Painting services are particularly attractive to leasing companies handing over aircraft to new clients and we believe our long-term clients will also benefit,” said Petr Doberský, Chairman of the Czech Airlines Technics Board of Directors.

Hangar S, a 2,100 m² facility that has been used for line maintenance since its opening in 2018, is being converted into a paint shop. This includes the installation of air conditioning and other necessary equipment. After the reconstruction, a six-month trial operation will ensure the safety and efficiency of the new paint shop.

“I am pleased with our subsidiary’s progress. Last year, Czech Airlines Technics returned to profitability for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, recording earnings of 41 million crowns. I believe the company’s financial recovery will continue and that the new paint shop will attract potential strategic partners. We are currently evaluating several offers,” said Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Prague Airport Board of Directors.

During the main maintenance season, from October to May, Czech Airlines Technics focuses on orders from long-term clients such as Transavia, Austrian Airlines and Finnair. In 2023, the company completed 76 base maintenance revisions on B737, B737 MAX, A320 family and A321neo aircraft. Outside the main maintenance season, the company primarily handles orders from leasing companies.(US$1.00 = CZK 22.74 at time of publication).