Aviation Week Network recently visited Qatar Airways Technic’s facilities at Doha Hamad International Airport to get a behind the scenes look at its operations. Read on to find out more about Qatar Airways Technic’s MRO capabilities and initiatives.

The approximately 1 million ft.² hangar can handle maintenance for around eight widebodies simultaneously. Given the airline’s continuously growing fleet, it is running out of space at the facility, but it is optimizing capacity to handle more checks.

Qatar Airways Technic is optimizing its efficiency through a “Growing Without Growing” concept, in which it utilizes the same facility and fleet more effectively.

Qatar Airways performs comprehensive maintenance programs for aircraft systems, components, auxiliary power units and engines, but it is not yet performing full engine overhauls. The airline reports that there is significant MRO work happening in its workshops and engine facilities.

“We are working on a few initiatives,” Qatar Airways Chief Technical Officer Ali Al Saadi (pictured left) told Aviation Week Network during the visit. “One of the key performance indicators is on-time performance aircraft availability.” 

Pictured here is an Airbus A350-900 waiting to be transferred into the hangar, which is a complex process. Qatar Airways Technic is aiming for fully equipped docking systems, such as an elevated floor for staff. It estimates an automated docking system could improve time efficiency 30-40%.

Qatar Airways Technic has reduced turnaround times by 10%, from 24 to 22 hr. The airline is now targeting a more than 20% reduction, including washing the aircraft. The company says this would enable it to return an aircraft to the airline 5 hr. sooner than previously.

Qatar Airways Technic has approximately 3,700 employees, with 2,000 dedicated to MRO operations. The airline’s fleet of 270 aircraft operates nearly 600 daily flights.

The Doha facility also features a fully automated warehouse.

Various ground support equipment inside Qatar Airways’ Doha facility.