InfoQuest, (April 27, 2020) -- Deputy Secretary-General for Infrastructure in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Chokchai Panyayong revealed that Airbus replied that it would not participate in the investment of the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility project of Thai Airways due to the outbreak of the COVID-19, but it could still cooperate on technology.
The project is a necessity for Thai Airways as it is profitable, so Thai Airways confirmed that it will press ahead the project by allowing other private companies to participate in the investment.
Mr. Chokchai said the project consists of the aircraft maintenance center run by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and the maintenance equipment invested by Thai Airways, and it would take at least three years to complete the construction. As the RTN and the EEC are currently working on the design, Thai Airways has enough time to find a new investment partner.
The project, one of the highlights of the EEC development program, will be one of the most modern maintenance centers in the Asia-Pacific region and one of the most efficient ones in the world. It is estimated to cost 11 billion baht, and the investment will consist of two parts. Specifically, 7 billion baht will come from the RTN's budget, which will be used for infrastructure and civil engineering construction. The RTN will collect the site rent, and Thai Airways will pay three percent of the 7-billion-baht investment each year and 1 percent of its annual income for rent. And the budget for the installation of materials and various technical equipment is about 4 billion baht. The initial plan is that Thai Airways and Airbus will invest 2 billion baht on a 50:50 basis.
The MRO project will operate seven services, including aircraft maintenance (heavy maintenance, line maintenance and aircraft painting), maintenance technician training center, aircraft composite repair shop, smart hanger, spare parts warehouse and logistics center, suitable building and maintenance center, as well as back shop to support line maintenance operation.
Source: InfoQuest, by Saowalak Ouypron / Sasithorn, translated by Xinhua Silk Road
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