COVID-19 pandemic: MTU Aero Engines AG suspends operations at several facilities

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·           Thorough preparation for a three-week pause in operations due to instable material supply

·           The company’s contribution to slowing the spread of the virus

·           Manufacturing facilities to close first, followed by MRO facilities

Munich, March 23, 2020 – In the face of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), MTU Aero Engines AG will temporarily suspend a large proportion of operations across several facilities in Europe. In doing so, the company is taking into account the interruptions in material supply that have begun. At the same time, it is doing its part to protect employees and contain the spread of the virus. In the areas that are required to stay operational, the company has enforced measures to protect its employees from infection.

The temporary suspension will first affect MTU’s manufacturing facilities in Munich, Germany, and Rzeszów, Poland, where engines are assembled or engine components manufactured. Activities will be ramped down by the end of the week in a coordinated approach. Operations are expected to be suspended for three weeks from Monday, March 30.

A week later, the company will suspend operations at its engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities in Hannover and Ludwigsfelde, near Berlin. By deferring this slightly, the company will be able to complete shop visits and ensure an organized start to the suspension. Operations at these facilities are expected to be reduced to an absolute minimum for three weeks, the company will remain available to its customers.

“MTU is known for reliability. These measures will be closely coordinated with our customers and partners, as is customary for the intense international cooperation within the aviation industry,” said CEO Reiner Winkler. “We have been calm, united and resolute while withstanding the first phase of this crisis. In the coming phase and during the ramping back up of facilities, we will rely on the ability and extensive experience of our employees.”

The management team is continually monitoring the situation and will introduce further measures, should this be necessary. At the same time, they will make goal-oriented decisions to minimize any economic impact and to ensure the company’s financial strength.