Vietjet and Thailand collaborate to establish MRO technical centre, boost regional aviation development

The event took place in the presence of General Secretary, President To Lam, and Prime Minister of Thailand Anutin Charnvirakul, during the official visit of the Vietnamese leader to Thailand.

Vietjet and the Eastern Economic Corridor Office EECO under the Government of Thailand exchange the cooperation agreement to develop the MRO aircraft technical center at U-Tapao International Airport, Thailand.

Vietjet and EECO will collaborate on the MRO center project at U-Tapao to support Vietjet's operations. The project aims to enhance technical capabilities, optimize operational efficiency, and shorten aircraft maintenance time, thereby reinforcing the sustainability of aviation operations. The two parties also plan to promote investment, develop aviation technical infrastructure, transfer technology, train high-quality human resources, and strengthen regional aviation connectivity.

EECO's collaboration with Vietjet in this large-scale aviation infrastructure project also demonstrates the strong interest, direction, and support of the Government of Thailand in developing the aviation industry, a strategic driver for economic growth, tourism, and regional connectivity. This is also a new step forward in economic cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand, particularly in the fields of infrastructure, technology, and high-value aviation services.

Vietjet Thailand CEO Woranate Laprabang stated: “Collaborating with EECO to develop the MRO center at U-Tapao reflects Vietjet's long-term vision of creating an internationally scaled aviation ecosystem, where technology, infrastructure, and connectivity are developed synchronously to serve the dynamic growth of the Asia-Pacific region. We believe the project will open up new cooperation dynamics between Vietnam and Thailand, while also contributing to enhancing the region's position on the global aviation map.”

Leaders of Vietjet and EECO at the Government House of Thailand.

U-Tapao International Airport plays a central role in Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) program. Located near Bangkok, Pattaya, and key industrial zones, U-Tapao is envisioned to become an "aerotropolis" – a modern airport city integrating logistics, maintenance-engineering, and high-tech services. Vietjet's choice of U-Tapao for the MRO center not only demonstrates the group's strategic vision but also affirms Vietjet's growing role in the regional aviation value chain and the trend of shifting new aviation technical centers to Asia.

With an extensive flight network and a modern fleet, Vietjet today is a multinational aviation group with Thailand as a key hub through the strong presence of Vietjet Thailand. With nearly 1,500 Thai employees, this joint venture represents the success of the friendly cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand.

Vietjet Thailand currently operates 22 aircraft, and Vietjet Group has signed an agreement to transfer 50 of the latest generation Boeing 737-8 aircraft to Vietjet Thailand, contributing to enhancing the capacity of the aviation industry in Thailand and the region.

To date, the airline has transported 50 million passengers between Vietnam and Thailand, becoming one of the leading airlines in the Land of Smiles, playing a crucial role in promoting tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchanges within ASEAN and across the Asia-Pacific.