From First Project to Trusted Partner of the Aviation Industry

The foundation of ARTS Group’s aviation expertise lies in a project that demanded precision, adaptability and deep technical know-how. What began as a specific retrofit task has developed into a long-term collaboration with global aviation leaders — and marked the beginning of ARTS’ growth into a comprehensive service provider across the aerospace sector.

Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg faced a highly complex project: the conversion of a civil Airbus A310 into a Multi Role Transporter (MRT). This conversion included the integration of a flying hospital configuration — a first for this aircraft type at the time. The initial prototype for this passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion had been handled by Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW) in Dresden. But the aircraft selected for the project in Hamburg came with its own set of challenges.

One of the core components of any freighter conversion is the installation of a cargo door. This isn’t a routine aircraft maintenance task – it requires significant structural reinforcement of the fuselage. The difficulty is compounded when working with used aircraft, as each one has a unique modification history. Previous repairs, undocumented design changes, and aging structures all influence how the conversion can be executed. There was no blueprint and no one-size-fits-all approach.

At that point, ARTS founder Gerald Unger had already worked on the first A310 MRT conversion during his time at EFW. His experience with the structural and logistical challenges, including the development of custom solutions for non-standard configurations, made him an ideal fit for this assignment. Together with two colleagues, he led the ARTS contribution to the second conversion project in Hamburg.

ARTS didn’t just provide temporary manpower. The team supported the entire project planning process, helping to break down the work into structured, manageable packages. From early risk assessment to resource planning and work preparation, ARTS established a clear framework to ensure that the conversion could be completed within the six-month layover.

One of the first insights during the planning phase was the need for additional structural mechanics in section 13/14 of the aircraft. Without immediate reinforcement, the timeline would have been at risk. Thanks to its internal talent pool and deep understanding of the aviation labour market, ARTS was able to identify and deploy the right specialists quickly. This is a core strength of the company: combining technical expertise with efficient workforce solutions.

ARTS doesn’t just fill roles; it builds effective teams. The selected professionals had the exact skill sets needed for structural modification tasks, and their integration into the Lufthansa Technik team was seamless. This ability to scale quickly with qualified personnel remains a core part of ARTS Group’s Workforce Solutions offering today, covering everything from temporary staffing and project-based deployment to headhunting for high-skill roles.

Although a similar conversion had been carried out before, there was no standardised procedure to follow. Every step – from layout modification to certification support – had to be adapted to the specific aircraft. ARTS’ experience with the prototype project gave the team a head start. Processes were streamlined, duplicate work avoided, and key structural decisions made more quickly thanks to prior knowledge.

The result: the project stayed within time and budget, and the aircraft was successfully converted into a medical transport and cargo configuration. The client’s expectations were not just met — they were exceeded.

This early project marked a shift in ARTS’ strategic direction. Originally founded to enable flexible project work for its founder alongside academic studies, the company quickly evolved into a full-service provider for the aviation sector. The clear demand for structured technical support, combined with the growing complexity of aerospace projects, revealed a significant market opportunity.

Following the A310 MRT conversion, the ARTS team expanded its footprint. Projects with Airbus followed in Hamburg, Manching and Toulouse. With each new location, the team grew — both in size and expertise.

Over the years, ARTS has contributed to a wide range of aircraft programs and retrofits. This includes work on the A340-500 and -600, the A330NEO, the A320NEO, and the A380 production line. ARTS also played a role in the prototyping phase of the A350, supporting everything from structural modifications to aerospace supply chain management and aerospace quality support.

These projects varied in scope — from full cabin installations through to engineering support and supply chain logistics — but they had one thing in common: they required adaptable, experienced teams who could deliver under pressure. That’s where ARTS continues to differentiate itself.

Today, ARTS Group delivers services through thre main business units: Workforce Solutions, Aviation Asset Management and OEM Support. The company works with OEMs, MROs, operators and lessors across the world. Its service delivery is built around clear structures, measurable results and a customer-first mindset.

The company’s culture is defined by its technical expertise, international presence and ability to adapt to regional requirements. Clients benefit from a partner who understands both the operational and strategic dimensions of aviation projects — whether it’s a short-term retrofit or a long-term fleet management contract.

The A310 MRT conversion wasn’t just a technical milestone — it was the beginning of a company trajectory that continues to this day. It demonstrated ARTS’ ability to integrate into complex projects quickly, to provide both strategic and operational value, and to scale with the demands of the aviation industry.

What started with a single conversion project has led to hundreds of successful assignments across the globe. ARTS has grown from a small team of engineers into a trusted partner for aviation projects of all sizes. And the journey continues — grounded in experience, driven by precision, and focused on what matters: enabling success for our clients.