Industry Airbus and Thai agree on joint venture MRO

Airbus and Thai Airways International (Thai) signed an agreement on June 22 to establish a new joint venture maintenance and overhaul (MRO) facility which will be located at U-Tapao International Airport. The civil and military airport near Bangkok already serves THAI as home for large maintenance facilities, servicing its own aircraft as well as other airlines.

“Thai and Airbus have undertaken extensive studies to validate the business plan for this exciting project,” said Usanee Sangsingkeo, Acting President, Thai. “Together we will develop one of the most advanced and efficient aircraft maintenance centres anywhere in the world. We are confident that this venture will bring significant economic benefit for Thai and will be a major driver in the development of the wider aerospace sector in Thailand.”

According to the official statement, the joint venture MRO is said to be one of the most modern facilities in the Asia-Pacific region featuring the latest digital technologies and advanced inspection techniques, e.g. drones will be used to monitor aircraft frames. Maintenance and line service will be available for all widebody aircraft types.

The partners will also implement a maintenance training centre within the MRO complex in order to offer courses for technical personnel from Thailand as well as overseas.

Guillaume Faury, President Airbus Commercial Aircraft, is pleased with this long-term partnership saying it will contribute to the success of Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The EEC is the pilot project for the economic development of Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard including Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Rayong Provinces. The joint venture between Airbus and THAI is an important part of the Thai government’s Thailand 4.0 policy, including different measures for economic development in the country.