Vietjet and CFM sign agreement to explore MRO capability in Vietnam

Vietjet has signed a Letter of Intent with CFM International to assess the feasibility of developing LEAP engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capability in Vietnam, bringing latest-generation LEAP engine expertise to the country for the first time.

The agreement was announced in Paris during the official visit to France by Vietnam's General Secretary and President To Lam, alongside a package of agreements with Thales covering component maintenance, digital aviation, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Together they strengthen the cooperation between Vietjet and two of the world's major aerospace technical partners, while adding to the broader economic and technology relationship between Vietnam and France.

Building engineering capability at home

Under the terms of the Letter of Intent, CFM would propose a consulting agreement to provide Vietjet with advisory services on engine MRO requirements, capabilities, infrastructure, workforce, and broader industry considerations for a potential local maintenance facility. The initiative comes as Vietjet continues to expand one of the largest next-generation fleets in Southeast Asia, with its huge order of A321neos and A330neos.

A future LEAP engine MRO capability would support the airline's long-term operations while helping Vietnam develop aerospace services, train internationally qualified engineers and strengthen the country's role in the global aviation supply chain, as well as bring in high income to the country.

Nguyen Thanh Son, chief executive of Vietjet said, "A strong aviation industry needs more than a modern fleet and an extensive network. It needs deep technical expertise and highly skilled people." He further went on to add, "We hope this initiative will lay the groundwork for latest-generation engine maintenance capability and develop world-class engineering talent and enable Vietnam to take on a greater role in the global aviation value chain."

A relationship entering its second decade

CFM International, the fifty-fifty joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, has powered Vietjet's growth since the airline took delivery of its first CFM56-powered Airbus A320ceo in 2014. The carrier operates 50 CFM56-powered A320ceo and A321ceo aircraft today, and the partnership is entering a new phase through Vietjet's 200-aircraft Boeing 737-8 order, which covers B737 MAX 8 and B737 MAX 200 models powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines.

"Vietnam represents one of the most dynamic aviation markets in the world, and we are pleased to further strengthen our relationship with Vietjet by evaluating engine maintenance capabilities in the country," said Gaël Meheust, president and chief executive of CFM International. "CFM would bring its global experience to provide Vietjet with a comprehensive evaluation that supports the Vietnamese government’s vision for the continued development of the country’s aerospace industry."

The proposed assessment would determine the technical capabilities and infrastructure Vietjet would need to establish its own LEAP maintenance solution, with any future capability following from the outcome of that assessment.

Component support and digital operations with Thales

During the delegation's visit to France on 10 September, Vietjet and Thales signed a repair-by-the-hour contract under which Thales will provide comprehensive component maintenance across the airline's Airbus fleet, covering the A320 and A321, the A321neo and A321XLR, and the A330 and A330neo. The arrangement gives Vietjet predictable component support as the fleet and network continue to grow.

The two companies also signed a memorandum of understanding on digital aviation, avionics, cybersecurity and AI-enhanced airline operations, which will explore secure cloud solutions, predictive analytics and decision-support technologies across the airline's operations.

Taken together, the agreements strengthen Vietjet's engineering foundation as the airline expands its international network, including its services across Asia and into Europe.