Portuguese maintenance company Mesa will carry out maintenance on British startup Global Airlines' first Airbus A380 after its ferry flight to Beja.
The aircraft arrived from Dresden on January 17, where it underwent extensive maintenance.
Mesa, which like Veja also has a facility in Lisbon, said it would carry out “regular” maintenance on the A380 as well as cabin improvements in preparation for commercial operation.
It added that it would help apply the carrier candidate's “unique coloring” to the aircraft's fuselage.
“Global Airlines' A380 project provides a significant opportunity for Mesa to strengthen our position as a global leader in the aviation MRO sector,” said Chief Executive Officer David Crews.
“Our ability to support such a complex and iconic aircraft underscores our continued commitment to excellence, safety and innovation.”
Mesa has experience with the A380, having worked on another aircraft operated by Hi-Fly, a Portuguese wet-lease specialist that has transported global aircraft.
“We want the first A380 to be well taken care of as it enters its final stages of flight towards first commercial service in 2025,” said global chief executive James Asquith.
He added that the A380 is “the most complex aircraft” and insisted that the first aircraft “will not be the last A380 that we bring to Beja.”
Safeport, a ground operations specialist, provided ground support equipment, towing, water and toilet services, and cleaning to perform maintenance on the jet.