Thailand Targets China's Aircraft Maintenance Market with New Hub

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Thailand is positioning itself to compete with China in the thriving aircraft maintenance sector. Chiang Rai Airport is set to become a key Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub, driven by Airports of Thailand (AOT) and its ambitious plans to tap into the expanding Chinese market.

 

AOT President Kerati Kijmanawat shared that ground preparations have begun, with the first hangar expected by late 2025. The company is in talks with the Chinese aerospace powerhouse, AVIC, to set up an MRO facility at this strategic location.

 

"Chiang Rai has a vast area, with only 316 out of 1,186 acres used. Located near China's southern border, it's ideal for Chinese aircraft that struggle with effective MRO in China," Kerati explained.

 

 

The project, promising as it is, will need time to reach full potential. Kerati estimates a five-year timeline for the facility to become fully operational. Presently, Chiang Rai Airport runs on a single 3,000-meter runway, accommodating both domestic and international airlines, including China Eastern Airlines, Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet Air.

 

In the meantime, Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport eyes its own MRO expansion. With the cancellation of a planned northern terminal, AOT has new land available to develop an additional hangar, potentially strengthening Thailand's MRO capabilities further.

 

-- 2025-02-04