Vietjet Air is building up its MRO capabilities with a series of new agreements signed this month.
The Vietnamese low-cost carrier has just signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SR Technics related to maintenance services for the CFM56-5B engines installed on its Airbus A320 and A321 fleet. Under the MoU, estimated to be worth $150 million, the Swiss MRO will maintain the engines at its facilities at Zurich Airport.
SR Technics will also provide component repairs, as well as technical and training services. In addition, the two companies plan to set up a joint-venture aviation training center in Ho Chi Minh City.
Earlier this month, Vietjet signed a similar comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with Safran. The agreement extends the companies’ cooperation to cover CFM56 engine services as well as aircraft seats and interiors supply.
Under the partnership, Safran will help Vietjet bolster its own aftermarket capabilities. The French OEM will support Vietjet in establishing MRO capabilities in Vietnam and will provide it with training programs, including management and technical training. Meanwhile, its Safran Electronics & Defense subsidiary will work with the airline to implement a flight data analysis solution for its fleet.
Vietjet is also expanding its use of Swiss-AS maintenance and engineering software. It signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Swiss-AS to extend its use of AMOS software, which it first implemented in 2012. Over the next decade, Vietjet will begin using more of the software’s capabilities, including automation of planning, aircraft scheduling and budget management. It also plans to add the AMOS mobile/EXEC platform for aircraft technical management on mobile devices, which it says will enable full automation and digitalization for its engineers.
Vietjet’s aftermarket expansion plans come as Vietnam prepares for growth in air traffic and MRO demand. The Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam is projecting that passengers will increase about 8% annually and MRO demand will increase at 11% annually in the next 10 years
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