Jul 31, 2024
Thai Aviation Industries Co., Ltd. (TAI) and Airbus signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the development of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for the Thai government's Airbus fleet. Air Chief Marshal Piboon Vorravanpreecha and Mr. Anand Stanley, Chairman and Head of Airbus Asia-Pacific, signed the MOU to support the RTAF’s Airbus aircraft including ACJ320 and ACJ340. Additionally, Mr. Oscar Alonnso, Head of Sales for Airbus Defense and Space, and Mr. Vincent Dubrule, Head of Airbus Helicopters Asia-Pacific, also signed the letters of intent to expand cooperation in the defense industry for helicopters such as H125M, H175, and H225. The ceremony was witnessed by General Sanitchanok Sangchan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, and other officials during the Farnborough Airshow on July 22, 2024. Under this MOU, Airbus and related agencies will work closely to enhance MRO capabilities for TAI, extending the current helicopter support scope to include tactical transport aircraft like the C295 and VIP transport aircraft for the Thai military. TAI and Airbus have been partners since 2017, providing after-sales support for the Thai government's helicopter fleet, which expanded in 2021 when TAI became Airbus’s primary contractor and final assembly center for helicopters sold to both military and government agencies in Thailand.