PM urges Airbus to help develop Vietnam's aviation industry

The Hanoi Times — Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged Airbus to continue working with national carriers to support the growth of the country's aviation industry.

The Vietnamese leader requested during a meeting with Airbus Executive Vice President Wouter Van Wersch on March 14.

Chinh briefed the guest on Vietnam's ongoing efforts to expand its aviation industry and international route network. With the growing demand for air transport, he invited Airbus to invest in and support the development of Vietnam's aviation ecosystem.

The prime minister encouraged Airbus to strengthen its partnership with Vietnamese airlines, accelerate the delivery of existing aircraft orders, and support fleet development. Airbus is expected to expand its supply chain, establish aircraft maintenance and repair centers, and invest in component manufacturing facilities in Vietnam. He also called on Airbus to transfer technology and provide training for quality human resources, including pilots.

The airplane maker is also suggested to explore cooperation in new sectors such as air logistics, aerospace, satellites, science and technology, and e-commerce.

In response, Wouter Van Wersch acknowledged Vietnam's impressive growth and potential to become a regional aviation hub. He affirmed that Airbus is ready to support the domestic aviation industry by supplying aircraft and strengthening the local aerospace supply chain, promoting digital transformation, and training skilled personnel.

Airbus is currently exploring advanced aviation technologies. The company has expressed interest in launching space technology and aircraft component manufacturing projects in Vietnam while seeking favorable conditions to collaborate with local enterprises in developing sustainable aircraft.

As a long-standing partner of Vietnam, Airbus plays an important role in the country's aviation sector. Vietnamese carriers, including Vietjet and Vietnam Airlines, operate around 200 Airbus aircraft, representing 65% of the country's fleet. Airbus is also working with a Japanese partner to establish an over-wing door component manufacturing facility in Vietnam.

Prime Minister Chinh acknowledged the extensive cooperation between Airbus and Vietnam, highlighting its contribution to enhancing domestic and international connectivity and boosting socio-economic development.

He reiterated Vietnam's commitment to improving its regulatory framework to create a more business-friendly environment, reducing compliance costs, and developing strategic infrastructure projects to reduce logistics and operational costs. In addition, Vietnam is focusing on developing a high-quality workforce, scientific advancement, and innovation to boost productivity and competitiveness.

"Vietnam remains committed to creating favorable conditions for foreign investors, including Airbus, for effective and sustainable business," the Prime Minister said.

On this occasion, he also urged Airbus to work for the European countries' swift ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), which would facilitate greater cooperation and investment between European and Vietnamese companies and Airbus.

The prime minister reaffirmed Vietnam's strong ties with European nations - especially the UK, Germany, France, and Spain, which are major shareholders in Airbus - and expressed Vietnam's willingness to deepen strategic relations, especially in trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

Vietnam's aviation sector is experiencing strong growth. By 2024, international passenger traffic is projected to have reached 41.4 million, with one million tons of cargo transported.

Vietnam currently has four airlines operating 98 international routes to 20 countries and territories. The country is also investing in the expansion and modernization of its 22 airports, including major projects such as Long Thanh International Airport, Gia Binh Airport, and Chu Lai Airport.