Airbus and Thai Airways International (THAI) have confirmed plans to establish a new joint venture maintenance and overhaul (MRO) facility at U-Tapao International Airport near Bangkok.
Airbus and Thai Airways International (THAI) have signed an agreement to establish a new joint venture maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at U-Tapao International Airport near Bangkok. The announcement follows an MoU to evaluate the development of the new facility, signed in March 2017.
The accord was signed on 22nd June at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse by Usanee Sangsingkeo, Acting President, THAI; and Eric Schulz, Chief Commercial Officer, Airbus, in the presence of Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand and Guillaume Faury, President Airbus Commercial Aircraft.
The partners say the new MRO centre will be one of the most modern and extensive in the Asia-Pacific region, offering heavy maintenance and line services for all widebody aircraft types. The facility will feature the latest digital technologies to analyse aircraft maintenance data, as well as advanced inspection techniques, including the use of drones to monitor aircraft 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.
The joint venture will be located at U-Tapao International Airport, at the heart of Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The EEC is a core part of the Thai government’s Thailand 4.0 policy, designed to develop world-class innovative technology-based manufacturing and services in the country.