News
Thailand addresses infrastructure challenges and confirms Airbus MRO joint venture
June 29th 2018
The Thai government has established an “airport consultative committee” aimed at fostering greater stakeholder collaboration in the kingdom’s airport development programme. Read More » The committee is a result of a meeting in Bangkok between various government agencies and airline representative groups, most notably the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The meeting’s goal was “to have a dialogue on the priorities moving forward”, said transport minister, Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.
IATA said all stakeholders agreed “a collaborative approach” was needed to meet the challenges of handling anticipated air travel growth in Thailand. IATA said it was important to “develop a cohesive aviation infrastructure masterplan for the airports in the greater Bangkok area” of Suvarnabhumi Airport, timeworn Don Mueang Airport and fast-expanding U-Tapao Airport.
“Aviation is an important sector for Thailand. It supports two million Thai jobs and contributes 7.2% to the country’s GDP. It is critical we get our infrastructure and policies right and in line with industry best practice to maximize the benefits aviation can bring to the Thai economy. Convening the MOT-IATA Joint Aviation Industry Stakeholders Meeting is an effective way to bring together all the parties – both government and industry – to have a dialogue on the priorities moving forward,” Termpittayapaisith said.
In related news, Thailand’s state-controlled Thai Airways International (THAI) this week finalized an agreement with Airbus to establish a joint venture (JV) MRO hub at U-Tapao Airport. The commitment followed a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2017 and a cooperation agreement in December.
Airbus and THAI hope to incorporate the facility by 2020 and have it in operation by 2022. It will offer heavy maintenance and line services for all wide body aircraft, including Boeing airplanes, repair shops for composite structures and a training centre.
“Thai and Airbus have undertaken extensive studies to validate the business plan for this exciting project,” said THAI acting president, Usanee Sangsingkeo. “We are confident this venture will bring significant economic benefits to THAI and be a major driver in the development of the wider aerospace sector in Thailand.”
The agreement was signed by Thai Prime Minister, General Prayut Chan-o-cha, and French President, Emmanuel Macron, at Palais de l'Élysée, the French presidential palace in Paris. THAI acting president, Usanee Sangsingkeo, and Airbus executive vice president Strategy & International, Patrick de Castelbajac, were present at the signing.
