Airbus plans 20 billion baht ($577 million) repair site in U-tapao airport
Airbus expects the number of aircraft operating in the Asia-Pacific region to more than double in two decades, reaching at least 15,000.
Airbus looks to open an aircraft maintenance yard in eastern Thailand, hoping to capture rising demand as low-cost carriers sharply increase the number of planes flying in Asia.
The European aircraft builder is conducting a feasibility study with state-owned Thai Airways International to set up the yard at the U-tapao airport, located in an economic development zone in eastern Thailand.
A maintenance, repair and overhaul — or MRO — facility would handle inspections involving disassembly as well.
The airport, close to tourist destination Pattaya and the coastal industrial hub, is scheduled for expansion as a third flight hub serving the Bangkok metropolitan area.
News reports say investment in the MRO yard could reach 20 billion baht ($577 million). Construction is to start as early as January 2018, with the opening targeted for 2021. Airbus expects the number of aircraft operating in the Asia-Pacific region to more than double in two decades, reaching at least 15,000.