Key Takeaways
• Lufthansa Technik opened its training center in Santa Maria da Feira in June 2025, starting a €227 million project.
• The main production facility, spanning 54,000 m², will open by the end of 2027 in Lusopark industrial area.
• The project expects to create at least 700 direct jobs and strengthen Portugal’s aviation industry presence.
Portugal’s Aviation Boom: Lufthansa Technik’s Investment Sparks New Era in Santa Maria da Feira
On June 11, 2025, Portugal 🇵🇹 took a major step onto the world stage of aviation. Lufthansa Technik, a global leader in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), officially opened its first training center in Santa Maria da Feira, a city about 35 kilometers south of Porto. This event marks the beginning of a large-scale investment that is set to reshape the region’s economy, workforce, and reputation in the global aviation industry.
This article explains what’s happening, why it matters, and how it will affect people in Portugal 🇵🇹 and beyond. We’ll look at the details of Lufthansa Technik’s project, the impact on jobs and education, and what this means for the future of aviation in Europe.
What’s Happening in Santa Maria da Feira?
Lufthansa Technik’s new training center in Santa Maria da Feira is now open and running as of June 2025. This center is the first part of a much bigger plan: a 54,000 square-meter main production facility, which will be built nearby in the Lusopark industrial area. The main factory is expected to start operating by the end of 2027.
Key facts:
– Training center: Opened June 2025, with two buildings for classroom and hands-on technical training.
– Main production site: 54,000 m² (about 580,000 ft²), scheduled to open by the end of 2027.
– Location: Lusopark, Santa Maria da Feira, about 9 kilometers from the training center.
– Investment: €227 million (over 200 million euros), with tax incentives from the Portuguese government.
– Land area: 230,000 m² (about 2.4 million ft²) acquired for the project.
Why Is Lufthansa Technik Investing in Portugal 🇵🇹?
Lufthansa Technik’s decision to build in Portugal 🇵🇹 is not random. The company’s Chief Operating Officer, Harald Gloy, explained that this move is part of their “ambitious growth targets.” The company wants to expand its global network and serve more than 800 international customers. Portugal 🇵🇹 offers several advantages:
– Skilled workforce: The country has a strong base of technical talent, especially in engineering and mechanics.
– EU membership: Being part of the European Union makes it easier to do business across Europe.
– Stable political environment: Portugal 🇵🇹 is known for its safety and stability, which is important for long-term investments.
– Growing aviation market: Portugal 🇵🇹 has seen a huge increase in international flights, especially from the United States 🇺🇸.
How Will This Affect Jobs and the Local Economy?
Job creation is one of the biggest impacts of this project. Lufthansa Technik expects to create at least 700 direct jobs at the new facility. These jobs will include mechanics, engineers, human resources staff, and production managers. The company has already started hiring, and each job opening is attracting a lot of interest—on average, about 150 people apply for each position.
Beyond direct jobs, there will be many indirect benefits:
– Local suppliers and service providers will see more business.
– More people working in the area means more demand for housing, shops, and restaurants.
– The project is expected to attract other companies and investors to Santa Maria da Feira.
Pedro Reis, Portugal’s Minister of Economy, called the project a “further step toward the reindustrialization of our country.” He said it shows that Portugal 🇵🇹 can attract high-tech industries and foreign investment.
Tax Incentives and Government Support
The Portuguese government is supporting Lufthansa Technik’s investment with tax exemptions. These benefits are conditional:
– Land purchase: Lufthansa Technik must complete the purchase of the land by the end of 2025.
– Long-term operation: The company must keep the facility running until at least 2035.
Ricardo Arroja, Chairman & CEO of AICEP (the Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency), said the investment will make Portugal 🇵🇹 more competitive in the European aviation industry.
Education and Workforce Development
A key part of the project is training and education. Lufthansa Technik is working with Cenfim, a national vocational training center, to make sure there are enough skilled workers for the new facility. The training center in Santa Maria da Feira will help new employees learn both the theory and practical skills needed for aircraft maintenance and repair.
How the training works:
– New hires start with classroom lessons on technical topics.
– They then move to hands-on training, working with real aircraft parts and equipment.
– Experienced Lufthansa Technik staff help teach and guide the new employees.
This approach helps transfer knowledge from experts to local workers, building a strong base of skills in Portugal 🇵🇹.
The Bigger Picture: Portugal’s Aviation Growth
Portugal 🇵🇹 has seen explosive growth in aviation over the past decade. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, flights from the United States 🇺🇸 to Portugal 🇵🇹 increased by 88% in the first half of 2025 compared to 2019. Over the past ten years, the number of flights has grown by 352%. This growth is driven by:
– More tourists and business travelers.
– Portugal’s reputation as a safe and attractive destination.
– Investments in airport infrastructure and services.
TAP Air Portugal, the country’s main airline, has also been modernizing its operations and adopting new technology to keep up with demand.
Step-by-Step: How the Project Is Rolling Out
- Land Acquisition: Lufthansa Technik bought a large plot of land (230,000 m²) in Lusopark, Santa Maria da Feira. The deal must be finalized by the end of 2025.
- Training Center Launch: The training center opened in June 2025. The first group of employees has already started their training.
- Main Facility Construction: Building of the main production site will begin in 2026. The factory is expected to be ready and running by the end of 2027.
- Recruitment: Hiring is ongoing throughout 2025 and will continue as the facility grows. The focus is on technical roles, but there will also be jobs in management and support.
- Educational Partnerships: Lufthansa Technik is working closely with Cenfim and other schools to find and train the right people for these jobs.
Who Benefits from This Investment?
Portuguese Government: The project supports national goals to attract high-tech industries and foreign capital. It also helps Portugal 🇵🇹 move up the value chain, creating better jobs and more advanced industries.
Local Community: People in Santa Maria da Feira expect more job opportunities, economic growth, and a chance for some expatriates to return home for work.
Lufthansa Technik: The company gets access to a skilled workforce, a good location in Europe, and the chance to serve more customers worldwide.
Educational Institutions: Schools and training centers benefit from new partnerships and resources, helping them prepare students for real jobs in the aviation industry.
What Does This Mean for Immigration and International Workers?
While the majority of jobs are expected to go to local residents, the scale of the project and the need for specialized skills may also open doors for international workers. Portugal 🇵🇹 has a history of welcoming skilled immigrants, especially in sectors where there is a shortage of local talent.
Potential implications:
– Work visas: Non-EU citizens interested in working at the new facility may need to apply for a work visa. Portugal 🇵🇹 offers several types of work permits, depending on the job and the applicant’s background. More information can be found on the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) official website.
– Returning expatriates: Portuguese nationals living abroad may see this as a chance to return home for good jobs in a growing industry.
– Training opportunities: The partnership with Cenfim and other institutions could attract students from other countries, especially those interested in aviation technology.
Regional Development: Santa Maria da Feira’s New Role
Santa Maria da Feira, once known mainly for its history and culture, is now set to become a center for aerospace technology and industry. Local leaders believe the Lufthansa Technik factory will:
– Attract more investment from other companies.
– Encourage the growth of local businesses that supply parts and services.
– Bring new technology and innovation to the region.
This transformation could make Santa Maria da Feira a model for other regions in Portugal 🇵🇹 looking to attract high-tech industries.
Economic Impact: More Than Just Jobs
The economic benefits of Lufthansa Technik’s investment go beyond the 700 direct jobs:
– Indirect employment: Many more jobs will be created in local businesses that support the factory, such as suppliers, logistics, and services.
– Boost to local economy: More people working means more spending in the area, which helps shops, restaurants, and other businesses.
– Foreign direct investment: The project shows that Portugal 🇵🇹 is a good place for international companies to invest, which could lead to even more projects in the future.
Economic development experts say the project will have a “multiplier effect,” meaning each euro invested will generate even more value for the local and national economy.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Portugal 🇵🇹 and Aviation?
Facility Completion: The main production site is expected to be up and running by the end of 2027. As the factory grows, there may be even more jobs and opportunities.
Continued Recruitment: Hiring will continue through 2025 and beyond, as the facility ramps up operations.
Industry Impact: Portugal 🇵🇹 is on track to become a major European hub for aviation, attracting more investment and encouraging innovation in aerospace technology.
Sustainability: The project fits with European goals for sustainable growth, using new technology to make aviation cleaner and more efficient.
Practical Guidance for Job Seekers and Stakeholders
If you’re interested in working at the new Lufthansa Technik facility or want to know more about job opportunities:
– Check the official Lufthansa Technik careers page for the latest openings.
– Contact Cenfim or other local training centers to learn about training programs for aviation jobs.
– Monitor local news and government websites for updates on the project and recruitment.
For those considering moving to Portugal 🇵🇹 for work, it’s important to understand the visa and work permit process. The Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) provides up-to-date information on requirements and application steps.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Portugal 🇵🇹 and Global Aviation
Lufthansa Technik’s €227 million investment in Santa Maria da Feira is more than just a business deal—it’s a turning point for Portugal’s aviation industry and its place in the world economy. The project brings new jobs, skills, and opportunities to the region, while also strengthening Portugal’s reputation as a hub for innovation and high-tech industry.
With strong support from the government, local leaders, and educational institutions, the future looks bright for Santa Maria da Feira and for Portugal 🇵🇹 as a whole. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this initiative is set to have lasting impacts, not just for those directly involved, but for the entire country and the broader European aviation sector.
For more information on Portugal’s immigration policies and work opportunities, visit the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) official website.
Key Takeaways:
– Lufthansa Technik’s investment is creating hundreds of jobs and transforming Santa Maria da Feira into a center for aviation technology.
– The project is supported by strong government incentives and partnerships with local training centers.
– Portugal 🇵🇹 is becoming a major player in the global aviation industry, attracting more flights, investment, and talent.
– Job seekers and international workers should watch for opportunities as the project grows, and use official resources for immigration guidance.
This is a story of growth, opportunity, and the power of international cooperation—one that will shape Portugal’s future for years to come.
Learn Today
Lufthansa Technik → A global company specializing in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services in aviation.
MRO → Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul; key activities for ensuring aircraft safety and functionality.
Work visa → An official permit allowing a non-EU individual to legally work in Portugal.
Tax incentives → Financial benefits provided by the government to encourage investment in certain projects or regions.
Training center → A facility providing both theoretical and practical education for skilled aviation workforce development.
This Article in a Nutshell
Lufthansa Technik’s €227 million investment in Santa Maria da Feira marks a new era in Portugal’s aviation sector. The training center opened in June 2025, with a larger production facility launching in 2027. Over 700 jobs are expected, boosting local economy and advancing Portugal’s global aviation reputation.
— By VisaVerge.com
