Vietjet and the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) under the Government of Thailand have signed an agreement to cooperate on the development of an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) technical centre at U-Tapao International Airport, Thailand. The event took place in the presence of the Vietnamese General Secretary and President To Lam and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul during the Vietnamese leader’s official visit to Thailand.
Vietjet and EECO will collaborate on the development of the MRO centre at U-Tapao to support Vietjet’s flight operations. The project aims to enhance technical capabilities, optimise operational efficiency, improve fleet readiness, and shorten aircraft maintenance turnaround times, thereby strengthening the sustainability of aviation operations. The two sides are also expected to promote investment in aviation technical infrastructure, technology transfer, high-quality workforce training, and enhanced regional air connectivity.
EECO’s partnership with Vietjet in this large-scale aviation infrastructure project reflects the Government of Thailand’s strong support and strategic orientation in developing the aviation industry as a key driver of economic growth, tourism, and regional connectivity. The project also marks a new milestone in economic cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand, particularly in multiple sectors, including infrastructure, technology, and high-value aviation services.
Mr. Woranate Laprabang, Chief Executive Officer of Vietjet Thailand, said: “Our cooperation with EECO to develop the MRO centre at U-Tapao reflects Vietjet’s long-term vision of building a world-class aviation ecosystem, where technology, infrastructure, and connectivity are developed in sync to support the dynamic growth of the Asia-Pacific region. We believe this project will open up new momentum for cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand while contributing to elevating the region’s position on the global aviation map.”
U-Tapao International Airport plays a central role in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) program.
Located near Bangkok, Pattaya, and major industrial zones, U-Tapao is being developed into an “aerotropolis” – a modern airport city integrating logistics, aircraft engineering and maintenance, and high-tech services. Vietjet’s selection of U-Tapao for its MRO centre not only demonstrates the group’s strategic vision but also affirms its growing role in the regional aviation value chain and the ongoing shift of new aviation technical hubs across Asia.
With an extensive flight network and a modern fleet, Vietjet has evolved into a multinational aviation group, with Thailand serving as one of its key hubs through the strong presence of Vietjet Thailand. Employing nearly 1,500 Thai staff members, the joint venture represents a successful model of friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand.
Vietjet Thailand currently operates a fleet of 22 aircraft, while Vietjet Group has committed to transfering 50 latest-generation Boeing 737-8 aircraft to Vietjet Thailand, helping to strengthen the aviation industry in the country and across the wider region. To date, the airline has transported 50 million passengers across its flight network, becoming one of Thailand’s leading airlines and playing an important role in promoting tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchanges across ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific region.
