SINGAPORE—Vietjet Air is set to establish its own MRO hangar in Laos capital Vientiane.
The announcement follows on the heels of the Vietnamese LCC signing a memorandum of understanding with the Laos Public Works and Transport Ministry to implement aviation-related projects and further expand air transport activities.
Vietjet says it plans to set up an MRO facility in Laos, supported by Vietjet Aviation Academy to oversee the training of the new local workforce. The carrier estimates its operation in Laos can generate 2,500 new jobs.
The Laos Civil Aviation Department will provide administrative, legal and facility support, as well as coordinate with other agencies to facilitate the projects.
Vietjet helped Lao Airlines establish a regional aircraft maintenance center in 2023 and began scheduled service from Ho Chi Minh City to Vientiane—the first air route between the neighboring countries.
The airline says Vietnam is one of Laos’ largest foreign trading partners and investors, with 255 projects worth $5.5 billion. Both governments previously agreed a Strategic Cooperation in Transport partnership spanning from 2016 to 2025.
CAPA – Centre for Aviation and OAG Schedules Analyser data shows Vietnam is the third-largest international market from Laos after Thailand and China, while Vietjet is ninth in terms of international market share.
Vietjet’s interest in Laos could stem from competitive real estate and labor costs, as well as proximity to Vietnam. Given the saturated land situation in key hubs like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Laos could prove a suitable location for Vietjet to perform MRO on its fleet.
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