File picture for reference only.

 

The EEC (Eastern Economic Corridor)  Office is seeking  for the government to reconsideration its decision and reopen the  bidding for the development of a new MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul ) facility at U-Tapao Airport, Rayong.

 

EECP (Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee), highlighted the rapid developing aircraft maintenance industry, and with the current Thai Airways’ facility at Don Mueang Airport will lose its contract in 2025, U-Tapao Airport, which is part of the EEC, is ideal for the new MRO facility to cater to both local and international airlines, and the EEC Office has available around 210 rai of land for this purpose.

The government had allocated this land for a joint investment between Thai Airways and Airbus, but recent shifts in the aviation industry have made Airbus less interested and unlikely to be involved in the project. So the EECP will propose that the government re-examine and reopen the bidding process for the MRO project.

 

U-Tapao Airport has this week awarded the contract for the new second runway to ITD (Italian-Thai Development Win Contract) with the worked expected to be completion by 2028. The new proposed MRO facility will be located near this second runway, so ensuring it is strategically positioned for all operations.

 

-- 2024-08-10

 

- Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

 

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The government had allocated this land for a joint investment between Thai Airways and Airbus, but recent shifts in the aviation industry have made Airbus less interested and unlikely to be involved in the project. So the EECP will propose that the government re-examine and reopen the bidding process for the MRO project.

So why doesn't Thai airways just re-locate.. or are they looking for someone else to foot the bill for building the facility?

Update

 

9 August, Thai Airways reported that the airline was currently negotiating and discussing with numerous potential partners from both domestic and international companies, however, it is still too early to outline the details because Thai Airways is awaiting concrete conditions from the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office.

 

These remarks came a day after the EEC Office announced that it had recently submitted documents to approve a new MRO operator bidding auction for U-Tapao Airport.

 

The EEC Office argued that it only needed to review the conditions so that this MRO project could best serve the objectives of the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City development project, which is to become a regional comprehensive regional aviation hub.

 

Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri emphasised that it was a must for the company to have its own MRO facility. He pointed out that having its own MRO would strengthen the airline’s competitiveness in terms of business and operation. 
 

He assured that the company had more than enough cash flow to invest in the MRO centre at the U-Tapao airport, noting that the company's current debt has no impact on its investment plan. 
 

-- 2024-08-10

 

- Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

I get the distinct feeling that the entire UTP area is going to undergo a major transformation, with the planned casinos and hotels nearby, and now this.

13 minutes ago, CanadaSam said:

I get the distinct feeling that the entire UTP area is going to undergo a major transformation, with the planned casinos and hotels nearby, and now this.

This is part of the project the government announced In 2023, the THB290bn  Eastern Aviation City.

 

The project planned to see the transformation of U-Tapao Airport. The project will be spread over 1,040ha and will feature a new airport terminal, a free trade zone for cargo, an aviation training centre, and the MRO facilities.

 

They've been talking about this for at least six years already, and so far it's gone exactly nowhere. Airbus dropped out, and no other company has expressed interest. 

 

"Planned to open in 2022, the so-called MRO Campus is billed as a world-class facility that will further entrench Thailand’s standing as an aviation hub"

 

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30345555

2 hours ago, CanadaSam said:

I get the distinct feeling that the entire UTP area is going to undergo a major transformation, with the planned casinos and hotels nearby, and now this.

And who owns it the RTN. Yet another military owned Business.

I see a Chinese owned and run airport emerging. Would be an ideal logistics hub for them. Maybe lease a part of it back to Thailand. But mainly it'll be Chinese airlines, businesses, workers, staff, imports/exports, housing, casinos, entertainment complexes, shopping malls... You name it. They have the knowhow, the money, and the manpower. Thailand appears to have none of these. Welcome to Chiland.