BRUSSELS—easyJet, a major low-cost carrier based in the United Kingdom, has outlined plans to increase the proportion of its heavy aircraft maintenance performed in-house. Currently, the airline handles approximately 25% of this work independently and is exploring growth opportunities that could raise this figure to 50%. This move aims to enhance operational control and optimize maintenance costs.
The airline already manages its line and base maintenance activities and has recently acquired SR Technic’s Malta facility for heavy airframe inspections. Regarding engine overhauls, the CEO, Kenton Jarvis, clarified that easyJet has no immediate plans to develop on-site engine overhaul capabilities, unlike Ryanair, which performs its own engine work. Instead, easyJet focuses on balancing its maintenance activities to improve reliability and supply chain resilience through proactive, predictive measures.
Strategic Maintenance Approach
Jarvis mentioned that maintaining a flexible and scalable maintenance model allows easyJet to handle more complex and unpredictable events effectively. The airline’s emphasis remains on in-house control over airframe checks and leveraging data analytics to monitor performance across its network. He noted that supply chain issues have stabilized in recent years, reducing delays and improving turnaround times.
"We’ll continue to look. If we see a good opportunity, and that brings it to about 50% in house, I think that will be about right for us," said Kenton Jarvis.
While the airline is considering expansion in heavy maintenance, it remains cautious about engine overhaul capabilities, focusing instead on optimizing its current infrastructure and strategic partnerships to ensure operational reliability and cost-efficiency.
