AICEP, Portugal's Trade & Investment Agency, acting on behalf of the Portuguese State, and the German company Lufthansa Technik signed an Investment Contract on Monday, 29 June, for the development of a new industrial facility in Santa Maria da Feira. The project represents one of the most significant international investments secured for Portugal's aerospace sector.
The contract was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, the Minister for the Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Castro Almeida, and Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr, during the foundation stone laying ceremony for the future facility.
The investment covered by the contract signed with AICEP amounts to approximately €223 million. Lufthansa Technik expects its total investment to exceed €300 million and plans to create around 700 jobs, generating a significant economic impact both in the region and across the country. Financial support from the Portuguese State under the Investment Contract totals approximately €24.75 million and is being granted by AICEP under the Contractual Investment Incentive Scheme.
Covering an area of approximately 50,000 square metres, the new facility will specialise in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for aircraft components. It will strengthen Lufthansa Technik's industrial capacity in Europe and help consolidate Portugal's position as a strategic hub for the aerospace industry.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro highlighted the work carried out in partnership with AICEP, which has been instrumental in bringing projects such as this one to fruition: "This investment is more than a contract. It is a clear vote of confidence in Portugal and in its ability to continue growing, innovating and competing at both European and global level. It is also an example of the path we intend to pursue by bringing together science, knowledge, businesses and investment, while creating the conditions for high quality projects that contribute to the modernisation and competitiveness of the Portuguese economy."
"Portugal is firmly on the radar for major industrial investment decisions in Europe. This investment strengthens our industrial base, deepens our specialisation in a highly complex technological sector, and contributes to a more competitive, export driven economy that creates highly skilled jobs. This is the path the country is following," said the Minister for the Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Castro Almeida.
According to AICEP Chairwoman Madalena Oliveira e Silva, "This is one of the most significant aerospace projects supported by AICEP and will help strengthen Portugal's position as a leading European hub for the aerospace industry, creating highly skilled jobs and generating value for the country. The signing of this Investment Agreement marks an important milestone for the Portuguese economy and demonstrates strong confidence in Portugal's capabilities."
Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr stated that the investment "reflects a commitment to Portugal as a strategic partner. We are Europe's number one aviation group and among the world's leading aviation companies, and we now look to Portugal for its potential as a major partner."
Lufthansa Technik's new facility in Santa Maria da Feira is expected to begin operations in 2028, strengthening the company's presence in Portugal and contributing to the development of high value-added industrial and technological capabilities.
