A lack of maintenance work may lead to the loss of hundreds more Melbourne-based aircraft engineering jobs, according to a report.
The report in The Australian claims that LTQ Engineering is investigating shutting down in Tullamarine maintenance facility and shedding up to 200 jobs. LTQ is a joint venture between Lufthansa Technik AG and Qantas and has approvals to look after CFM56 and GE CF6 engines.
The report, which does not cite any sources, blames the high Australian dollar, improved aircraft technology that requires less maintenance and a lack of non-Qantas work at the facility for its struggles. The facility mainly services Qantas engines, The Australian said.
An official with LTQ refused to comment on “unsourced speculation” and said no decision had been made about the plant. Qantas also said no decision had been made.
If true, the job cuts would be another body blow to Victoria’s aviation industry after Qantas cut more than 500 engineering jobs at its Tullamarine and Avalon maintenance facilities in May.
