In a market that is as competitive as ever, airlines across Europe are looking for ways to reduce operational costs. Expanding fleets, record-high passenger numbers, and the complexity and overhead that comes with managing MRO capabilities internally are all pushing carriers towards partnering with specialized providers, including those providing wheels and brakes maintenance services.
From a single facility to Europe’s second largest independent provider in three years
Established in 2022, FL Technics Wheels and Brakes, the specialized subsidiary of FL Technics dedicated to wheels and brakes maintenance, quickly rose to becoming the second largest independent provider in Europe. One of the reasons for this rapid growth is the increasing demand for outsourced services.
“Airlines want to focus on core operations, and while wheels and brakes maintenance might look straightforward on the surface, it can add extensive overhead and back-office complexity. Having a dedicated partner, on the other hand, adds a layer of security, which is why we are currently seeing a shift toward outsourcing wheels and brakes maintenance,” said Zilvinas Lapinskas, CEO of FL Technics Group. The company currently operates four strategically located wheels and brakes shops across the continent: in Hanover, Germany; Budapest, Hungary; Vilnius, Lithuania; and the company’s latest expansion – a new 2,575 sq. m. facility in Bergamo, Italy. From this Italian base, opened in 2025, FL Technics Wheels and Brakes can cover Italian, Swiss, French, and Spanish markets while maintaining proximity to major aviation hubs.
“The locations of all four facilities were chosen based on several key criteria – we wanted to be both close to the airports that our existing and potential clients use, and to have excellent connectivity via the main road arteries in those locations. This means we can help our clients significantly save on logistics costs, while providing them with shorter turnaround times,” continues Lapinskas.
Leading green transformation in MRO
Beyond operational efficiency, FL Technics Wheels and Brakes is aiming to lead in sustainable innovation. All facilities are purpose-built to the latest standards, meeting the highest energy-efficiency criteria and fitted with innovative technology and equipment. For instance, the Budapest facility holds both EPC and BREEAM certifications. At the same time, the proximity of all four facilities to major road arteries, aviation hubs and suppliers vastly reduces transportation-related emissions, making operations greener and more cost-efficient.
The company also aims to be green when it comes to the materials used. By having strong commercial partnerships with such major tire suppliers as Bridgestone, the company can source the most environmentally friendly models while maintaining competitive pricing for clients. In the case of tires, FL Technics Wheels and Brakes follows the latest industry trends and provides clients with the option to use retreaded tires that have a lower carbon footprint, when possible. This, alongside the broader commitment to being a green MRO provider, aligns with the expectation that carriers have of their partners to help them meet increasingly stringent ESG requirements.
Expansion plans ahead
The company plans to double its workshop network by 2030, expanding market coverage while continuing to educate the industry on advanced possibilities in MRO efficiency and sustainability.
“The three pillars that clients care about are turnaround time, price, and quality, and in the last three years we have proven that we can deliver all three elements. And while there is still a conservative view on wheels and brakes maintenance in the market, we aim to take the leadership position in educating the market on how outsourcing these operations can be cost-efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly,” explained Lapinskas.
FL Technics Wheels and Brakes is part of FL Technics Group, a global MRO provider with over 3,000 employees worldwide serving clients across a wide network of base and line maintenance stations.
