The signing ceremony took place on 28/5 in Bangkok, witnessed by President To Lam and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The event occurred during President To Lam's official visit to Thailand with his spouse.

Under the agreement, Vietjet and the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) will collaborate to build a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center at U-Tapao International Airport to support the airline's operations. This project aims to enhance technical capabilities, optimize operations, reduce aircraft maintenance time, and increase operational readiness.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Vietjet President (left), and a representative of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) of the Thai Government exchange the cooperation agreement for the development of an MRO aircraft technical center at U-Tapao International Airport, Thailand. *Photo: Tai Nguyen*

Both parties also plan to promote investment in aviation technical infrastructure, technology transfer, high-quality human resource training, and strengthen regional aviation connectivity.

This project is a part of Vietjet's strategy to develop an international-scale aviation ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific. The MRO center at U-Tapao is expected to expand cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand in infrastructure, technology, and high-value aviation services.

Woranate Laprabang, general director of Vietjet Thailand, stated that the cooperation with EECO is part of Vietjet's strategy to develop an international-scale aviation ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific. "We believe this project will open new impetus for cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand, and contribute to enhancing the region's position on the global aviation map", he said.

U-Tapao International Airport is one of the core components of Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) program. Located near Bangkok, Pattaya, and key industrial zones, this airport is planned to develop into an "aerotropolis"—an airport city integrating logistics, maintenance engineering, and high-tech services.

Vietjet and EECO leaders at the Thai Government House. *Photo: Tai Nguyen*

The selection of U-Tapao for the MRO center reflects Vietjet's strategic direction to expand its role in the regional aviation value chain, as Asia emerges as a new global aviation technical hub.

On the same day, Vietjet announced a program to develop a new generation Boeing 737-8 fleet for Vietjet Thailand, and celebrated the milestone of 50 million passengers on the Vietnam-Thailand network. Vietjet Thailand will receive its 10th Boeing 737-8 aircraft this May, continuing its strategy of developing a modern fleet in Thailand. Vietjet Thailand currently operates 22 aircraft, and the airline aims to expand to 50 Boeing 737-8 aircraft in the near future.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (third from left) poses for a photo with Vietjet representatives. *Photo: Tai Nguyen*

After over a decade of development, Vietjet and Vietjet Thailand have transported a total of 360 million passengers across their entire network. The Vietnam-Thailand network alone has served 50 million passengers with 40 routes, nearly 1,000 flights per week, connecting 16 Vietnamese localities with 11 Thai localities.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations, Vietjet continues its long-term investment plan in Thailand and the region, contributing to promoting peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity in ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific.

Thai Anh