Airbus and TAI to support Thai governmental fleet
Bangkok, 23 July 2024 – Airbus and Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) have signed several agreements to explore the development of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities to further support Airbus’ governmental fleet in Thailand.
The agreements were signed by TAI Managing Director Air Chief Marshal Piboon Vorravanpreecha and Airbus executives, witnessed by Thailand Ministry of Defence’s Permanent Secretary General Sanitchanog Sangkachantra, on the sidelines of the Farnborough Airshow.
Under the agreements, Airbus and its respective divisions will work closely with TAI to enhance the latter’s aircraft MRO capabilities, extending its current helicopter scope to cover also the C295 tactical airlifter and VIP transport aircraft, for the Royal Thai Armed Forces.
Additionally, the two partners will study further development of complementary activities and local content on existing helicopter platforms.
“Thailand is an important market for Airbus, where we have seen our comprehensive range of products operated across the commercial, governmental and military sectors. The new agreements underline our commitment to build on the strong foundation Airbus and TAI have since 2017, to bolster our local support for our military and governmental customers. We look forward to developing an even stronger ecosystem in Thailand,” said Anand Stanley, President Airbus Asia-Pacific.
“I’d like to express my gratitude and thanks about the signing ceremony today. Airbus and TAI have been working together successfully to support the Royal Thai Armed Forces for close to a decade. Today’s agreements to enhance TAI’s MRO capabilities is an excellent example of strong collaborations, especially in support of the Airbus fleet in Thailand together in alignment with Thai governmental policy. These agreements underpin our strong partnership between the two companies, and also between Thailand and Europe,” said ACM Piboon Vorravanpreecha. Managing Director, Thai Aviation Industries.
The Royal Thai Armed Forces currently operate a strong fleet of over 50 Airbus helicopters, military transport and VIP transport aircraft, which includes the single engine H125M, twin-engine H135, H145, H145M, UH72, medium twin-engine AS365, H155, H175, heavy tactical H225M, the C295, as well as A320 Family and A340. These aircraft are deployed for various missions within the Royal Thai Air Force, Army, Navy, Police and the Survey Department.
Airbus and TAI have been partners since 2017, for the after sales support of the country’s governmental helicopter fleets. This industrial partnership was extended in 2021, with TAI becoming Airbus’ prime contractor and completion centre for the sales and distribution of its helicopters to Thailand’s military and governmental customers.
Photo caption: (Left-Right) Airbus Defence and Space Head of Regions in Global Business Karl-Heinz Grossmann, TAI Managing Director ACM Piboon Vorravanpreecha, Thailand Ministry of Defence’s Permanent Secretary General Sanitchanog Sangkachantra, Airbus President of Asia-Pacific Anand Stanley, and Airbus Helicopters Head of Asia-Pacific Vincent Dubrule.
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