Vietjet announces MRO facility plan for Laos; operates first Airbus A320 SAF flight

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Vietjet announces MRO facility plan for Laos; operates first Airbus A320 SAF flight

Policy

Joanna Bailey Managing Editor | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Jul 14, 2024

Vietjet plans to establish a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Laos, creating up to 2,500 new jobs in the aviation sector. Vietjet Thailand operated its first flight with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by 153,000 tons by 2030. The airline aims to use 1% SAF by 2026 and 5% by 2030, aligning with Thailand's goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Last week, the Vietjet Group was active on two fronts: announcing plans for a new MRO facility in Laos and operating its first flight with SAF between Bangkok and Da Nang in Vietnam.

On July 11, Vietjet announced plans to establish the airline's MRO facility in Laos and to work with the Laos Department of Civil Aviation (DCAL) to expand air transport activities and world-class training for the new workforce. The announcement took place in Vientiane in the presence of Vietnamese President To Lam, Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith, and other high-ranking dignitaries.

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Vietjet signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Laos Ministry of Public Works and Transport to implement multiple aviation-related projects expected to create up to 2,500 jobs in the country's aviation sector. The Vietjet Aviation Academy will oversee the training of the new workforce in line with international standards for the new facility.

As the airline's partner, DCAL will provide administrative, legal, and facility support and coordinate with other agencies to bring the projects to life. The agreement aligns with goals set by Vietnam and Laos' MoU on Strategic Cooperation in Transport from 2016 through 2025.

Last year, Vietjet launched a regional maintenance center in cooperation with Lao Airlines. Earlier this year it started flying between Vietnam and Laos connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Vientiane. Vietjet aims to help Laos grow its aviation sector attract more international tourists foster economic development enhance trade with regional neighbors.

Also last week Vietjet Thailand operated its first flight using SAF followed up with one of its special promotional offers FlyGreen Sale. SAF was used on a Vietjet Thailand flight on July 10 from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Da Nang International (DAD) in Vietnam.

Thailand's Pattaya Mail reported that Neste produced SAF from used cooking oil which has similar properties conventional jet fuel can be blended without engine modifications. PTT Oil Retail Business OR launched flight using Airbus A320 route operates three times daily A320/A321 aircraft.

Vietjet Thailand Chief Executive Officer Woranate Laprabang said "the flight marks a significant milestone in the airline's sustainability mission."

The low-cost carrier is aiming use SAF potentially reducing CO2 emissions step ICAO process ensure sustainable future aviation industry.