Airbus and Thai Airways International (THAI) are to set up a new joint venture widebody maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility near Bangkok, Thailand.
The two companies signed an agreement at the aircraft manufacturer’s Toulouse headquarters to establish the new JV at U-Tapao International Airport. The accord was signed by Usanee Sangsingkeo, acting president, Thai Airways International and Eric Schulz, chief commercial officer at Airbus, witnessed by Prayut Chan-o-cha, Thailand’s Prime Minister and Guillaume Faury, president of Airbus Commercial Aircraft.
The facility will be one of the most modern and extensive in the Asia-Pacific region, they say, offering heavy maintenance and line services for all widebody aircraft types. It will feature the latest digital technologies to analyse aircraft maintenance data, as well as advanced inspection techniques, including the use of drones to monitor airframes.
The MRO complex will also have specialised repair shops, including for composite structures, as well as a maintenance training centre offering extensive courses for technical personnel from Thailand and overseas.
“THAI and Airbus have undertaken extensive studies to validate the business plan for this exciting project,” said Sangsingkeo. “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.”
“We are pleased to enter into this major agreement with THAI,” added Faury. “This will further strengthen the long-term partnership between our two companies and also contribute to the success of Thailand’s new eastern economic zone. With the fleet of widebody aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region set to triple to around 4,800 aircraft over the next 20 years, the project represents a sound business opportunity for both our companies.”
THAI has operated every single Airbus type and today flies every member of its widebody family – the A330, A350 and A380.
