Strategic Expansion in Aviation Engineering
Vietjet has entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with CFM International to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for LEAP engines within Vietnam. The agreement, announced during the official state visit of Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam to France, marks a significant step toward domesticating high-level aviation technical expertise.
Under the proposed framework, CFM International—a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines—will provide advisory services to Vietjet. This consulting phase is designed to assess the necessary infrastructure, workforce requirements, and industry-wide considerations needed to develop a world-class engine maintenance capability. According to Airline Ratings, the primary objective is to bring the latest-generation LEAP engine expertise to the country for the first time, supporting the airline’s expanding fleet of A321neo and A330neo aircraft.
Building Domestic Capacity
The move is part of a broader push to integrate Vietnam more deeply into the global aviation supply chain. Nguyen Thanh Son, chief executive of Vietjet, emphasized that the initiative aims to go beyond fleet growth. “A strong aviation industry needs deep technical expertise and highly skilled people,” Son stated. By developing local MRO capabilities, the airline hopes to foster a new generation of internationally qualified engineers and increase the country’s economic return from the aviation sector.
For CFM, the partnership represents a deepening of a relationship that has spanned over a decade. Since 2014, when Vietjet took delivery of its first CFM56-powered Airbus A320ceo, the manufacturer has been a key supplier. The partnership is set to grow further as Vietjet integrates its 200-aircraft order for Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 200 models, which are powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines. Gaël Meheust, president and chief executive of CFM International, noted that the assessment will leverage the company’s global experience to align with the Vietnamese government’s vision for aerospace industry growth.
Broadening Industrial Cooperation
The agreement with CFM coincides with a wider suite of technical partnerships signed during the delegation’s visit to France on September 10. Vietjet also formalized a “repair-by-the-hour” contract with Thales, ensuring comprehensive component maintenance for its entire Airbus fleet, including the A320/321 series and the A330/330neo family. Additionally, the carrier signed a memorandum of understanding with Thales regarding digital aviation, cybersecurity, and AI-enhanced operations. These investments in cloud solutions and predictive analytics are intended to improve operational efficiency as Vietjet continues to scale its international network into Europe and across Asia.