DHL Express to invest €40mn for maintenance hangar at Vitoria Airport
To be DHL Express' second most important maintenance centre in Europe after Leipzig, Germany.
Photos: DHL
DHL Express Spain announced plans to invest more than €40 million to develop a new European aircraft maintenance hangar in Vitoria-Gasteiz, reinforcing Spain's role in the company's global strategy.
Expected to be operational by mid-2027, the new facility will be DHL Express' second most important maintenance centre in Europe after Leipzig, Germany, says an official release.
Location and capacity of Vitoria Airport, along with support of local administrations, have been key for the decision-making. New building will be carbon-neutral, in line with DHL Group's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and initially employ approximately 50 people
"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," says 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 hangar, initially employing around 50 people, is set to focus on maintenance tasks for the DHL B757 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 release added.
"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," adds Tomás Holgado, Vice President, Hubs & Gateways, DHL Express Spain. "The new facility underscores DHL Express' commitment to continued investment in Spain, a crucial player in our global strategy."
The new centre will be located to the west of the existing DHL Express Hub at Vitoria Airport, covering more than 19,700 square metres. It will include 6,600 square metres of hangar space, 1,605 square metres of outdoor facilities, and 11,500 square metres of apron (runway) space, the release added.
