• These aircraft have been under Parking & Storage conditions due to the travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic during the last two years

• Iberia Maintenance has performed required heavy checks for the return to service of these aircraft

With the lifting of travel restrictions and then flight bookings peak, Iberia Maintenance has supported its customers to increase the number of operating aircraft in their fleets and has returned into operation 38 A32X aircraft from its customer base during the last 10 months.

Apart from the Return to Operation tasks, which include covers removal, systems tests, and wheels and brakes checks, amongst others; Iberia Maintenance has also carried out heavy maintenance programs required for these aircraft. These checks were due before the Entry into Service of the aircraft, some in combination with the End of Lease agreement.

During the performance of the maintenance tasks, several complex repairs were required and carried out by Iberia Maintenance staff. The execution of these tasks, involving significant sheet metal, fitting, and composites skills, required Iberia Maintenance’s highly skilled and experienced workforce together with engineering to work in close cooperation with the OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer) to develop tailor-made solutions.

Window frame replacement: mission accomplished (Case study)

For the first time, Iberia Maintenance carried out a window frame replacement on an A320 attributable to two small cracks found during a routine NDT inspection. For one month, the most skilled Iberia Maintenance team was devoted to this mission. To gain access, the flight control panel, the joystick, and the breakers had to be removed; the primary structure was replaced and finally, the entire assembly was put together again.