Frank Haberkamp, Managing Director of MTU Maintenance Serbia – We will make Serbia an important player on the world map of engine maintenance

As MTU Maintenance Serbia enters a new chapter under the leadership of its Managing Director, the company is setting ambitious goals to strengthen its role in the global aviation network while driving innovation and growth from Nova Pazova. In this interview, we explore Frank Haberkamp’s vision for the future, the opportunities ahead, and how Serbia is becoming a key hub for high-tech aviation services.

– I have nearly 20 years of experience with MTU Maintenance, with a recent focus on piece-part repair. Prior to my time at MTU, I worked in the aviation industry with Lufthansa starting in 1994. Throughout my career, I have built strong relationships in Asia, making international collaboration a fundamental part of my expertise.

Since 2002, I have worked with engines, and now I am combining all of my experience to drive future growth here in Serbia.

– Our priority is to establish MTU Maintenance Serbia as a key contributor to the global network. The Balkan region has historically had limited aviation maintenance activity compared to other parts of Europe, Asia, or the Americas. By setting up here, we aim to change that. Serbia offers a unique combination of advantages: a safe environment, highly educated talent, and strong local potential. This allows us to strengthen MTU’s global leadership while supporting the development of high-tech industry in the region. It’s about creating opportunities locally while contributing to MTU’s worldwide success.

– The impact of COVID and the strong growth of the aviation industry both before and after the pandemic are putting a lot of pressure on the global supply chain. At MTU Maintenance Serbia, we are part of this and contribute to stabilizing the system as much as we can.

Our approach is clear: accurate forecasting, timely investment in machinery, and continuous hiring and training of skilled staff. By combining these factors, we ensure flexibility and readiness to meet market demands. It’s about staying agile and proactive—turning challenges into opportunities.

– Our growth plan is ambitious. By the end of this decade, we aim to be approximately four and a half times larger in terms of repair hours. This means expanding our workforce, investing in advanced tooling, enlarging our portfolio, enhancing our capabilities, and strengthening our role in the global MTU network, making Serbia an important player on the world map of engine maintenance.

We are also planning to extend our facility to support this growth, with strong backing from local authorities. This underlines our long-term commitment—not only to Serbia but to the entire MTU network.

Globally, MTU is targeting to become a EUR 13-14 billion company by the end of the decade, and MTU Maintenance Serbia will play a fundamental role in achieving that goal. We will continue to support the network and third-party customers by delivering high-quality repairs on time, ensuring engines are ready for build-up when needed.

– We are here to grow together. MTU Maintenance Serbia is much more than a repair shop —it’s a hub of innovation, expertise, and opportunity. Our mission is to strengthen the aviation industry globally while creating value locally. The future of aviation is bright, and we are proud to be part of shaping it from Nova Pazova.