CFM International and VietJet have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to assess the feasibility of developing LEAP engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capability in Vietnam.
Under the LOI, CFM will propose a consulting agreement to support VietJet in evaluating the requirements for a potential local engine maintenance operation. The assessment will cover MRO capabilities, infrastructure, workforce requirements, and other industry considerations.
The initiative comes as VietJet expands its fleet of aircraft powered by CFM engines. A local LEAP MRO capability could provide additional engine maintenance capacity for the airline as its next-generation fleet grows, while supporting the development of aviation engineering and technical skills in Vietnam.
“Vietnam represents one of the most dynamic aviation markets in the world, and we are pleased to further strengthen our relationship with VietJet by evaluating engine maintenance capabilities in the country,” said Gaël Meheust, President and CEO of CFM International. “CFM would bring its global experience to provide VietJet with a comprehensive evaluation that supports the Vietnamese government’s vision for the continued development of the country’s aerospace industry.”
The proposed assessment will help determine what technical capabilities and infrastructure would be required for VietJet to establish its own solution for LEAP engine maintenance. Any future MRO capability would depend on the outcome of the feasibility assessment and subsequent development work.
Nguyen Thanh Son, CEO of VietJet, stated, “A strong aviation industry needs more than a modern fleet and an extensive network. It needs deep technical expertise and highly skilled people. Our work with CFM is an important part of VietJet’s ambition to build a more complete aviation ecosystem in Vietnam. We hope this initiative will lay the groundwork for latest-generation engine maintenance capability, develop world-class engineering talent, and enable Vietnam to take on a greater role in the global aviation value chain.”
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VietJet has operated CFM56-powered Airbus A320ceo and A321ceo aircraft since receiving its first CFM56-powered A320ceo in 2014. The airline currently operates 50 CFM56-powered A320ceo and A321ceo aircraft.
The partnership is now expanding to the LEAP-1B engine. VietJet’s recent order for 200 Boeing 737-8 aircraft, including 737-8 and 737-8-200 variants, is powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines.
The proposed Vietnam-based capability would therefore potentially cover the engine requirements of VietJet’s growing next-generation fleet, subject to the outcome of the assessment and any subsequent agreements.
