Vietjet and Thales have expanded their cooperation through a Repair-By-The-Hour (RBTH) agreement covering Thales components installed on Vietjet’s Airbus A320 and A330 fleets, alongside a separate Memorandum of Understanding covering digital aviation, connectivity, AI and cybersecurity.
Signed on September 10 during a Vietnamese delegation visit to France, the agreements combine a contracted component MRO programme with a framework for developing digital technologies for airline operations and maintenance.
Component MRO Support for A320 and A330 Fleets
Under the RBTH agreement, Thales will provide component maintenance services for Thales products installed on Vietjet’s A320 and A330 aircraft.
The arrangement establishes an ongoing support framework for component repair and maintenance rather than individual repair transactions. Thales will use its MRO network to support the covered equipment, with the programme intended to improve component availability and support Vietjet’s fleet operations.
The agreement covers two Airbus fleet types with different operating profiles. Vietjet’s A320-family aircraft support its short- and medium-haul network, while its A330 fleet operates longer-range services and incorporates a wider range of widebody systems.
Component maintenance under such a programme can include troubleshooting, repair, testing and return-to-service activities, depending on the equipment involved.
Digital Aviation and Connected Maintenance
Alongside the MRO agreement, Vietjet and Thales signed an MoU covering digital aviation, avionics, connectivity, cybersecurity and AI applications.
The cooperation will explore connected aircraft services, predictive analytics and data-driven maintenance. Aircraft technical and operational data can be used to identify trends, analyse recurring defects and provide additional information for maintenance planning and engineering activities.
The companies will also examine AI-enabled decision-support tools for airline operations.
The MoU represents an exploration phase rather than a confirmed deployment of a specific AI or predictive-maintenance system across Vietjet’s fleet.
AI Applications in Airline Operations
AI is expected to form part of the technology areas assessed under the cooperation.
For maintenance organisations, AI-based analysis can process aircraft and component data to identify patterns across large datasets. Such tools can support engineering teams in areas such as defect analysis and maintenance trend monitoring, while established maintenance procedures and technical oversight remain in place.
The broader cooperation will also consider applications beyond maintenance, including operational data analysis and decision support.
Cybersecurity for Connected Aviation
Cybersecurity is another area covered by the MoU, reflecting the increasing connectivity between aircraft, airline systems and cloud-based services.
The cooperation will examine secure cloud solutions alongside predictive analytics and decision-support technologies. For airline engineering organisations, this includes consideration of how technical data and connected maintenance applications are accessed, transferred and protected.
The cybersecurity element is therefore linked to the wider digitalisation of Vietjet’s operational and maintenance infrastructure.
Training and Technical Capability
The agreements also include cooperation around training and technical certification pathways in Vietnam.
The development of local technical skills will support the use of aircraft maintenance systems, digital tools and connected aviation technologies. Knowledge transfer is also intended to strengthen engineering and support capabilities within the country.
This creates a workforce-development element alongside the component MRO and digital technology programmes.
Pascale Sourisse, CEO of Thales International, Thales, said, “With Thales’ 30-year presence in Vietnam, we are honored by Vietjet’s continued trust. We look forward to supporting the airline in its next phase of growth through innovation, advanced technology, and operational excellence.”
Linking Component Support with Digital Systems
The two agreements provide separate but complementary areas of cooperation.
The RBTH contract establishes component maintenance support for Thales equipment across Vietjet’s A320 and A330 fleets. The digital MoU creates a framework for examining how aircraft data, connectivity and analytical technologies can support engineering and airline operations.
This could allow technical information from aircraft and maintenance activities to be used alongside component records and engineering data, although the specific systems and applications to be implemented have not been announced.
Nguyen Thanh Son, CEO of Vietjet, said, “Our partnership with Thales will not only enhance the reliability, safety and operational efficiency of Vietjet’s fleet, but also open up new areas of cooperation in digital technology, AI and cybersecurity. Together with leading French partners, we look forward to connecting technological expertise with a dynamic aviation market, contributing to stronger trade, investment and ties between Vietnam and France.”
Developing Vietnam’s Aviation Support Infrastructure
The cooperation comes as Vietnam develops its aviation infrastructure and technical workforce.
For Vietjet, the component agreement provides a structured support arrangement for Thales equipment on its A320 and A330 fleets, while the digital programme creates a pathway for further work in connected aviation and data-based maintenance.
The training and certification component addresses the personnel required to operate and maintain these increasingly digital systems.
Broader MRO Implications
The Vietjet-Thales agreement combines three areas that are becoming increasingly connected within airline technical operations: component support, aircraft data and digital engineering tools.
The RBTH programme provides the immediate MRO commitment, while the digital MoU covers technologies that could support future maintenance and operational processes. Cybersecurity and technical training form supporting elements of the digital transition.
For Vietjet’s A320 and A330 fleets, the agreements establish a component-support relationship with Thales while opening further areas of cooperation in digital maintenance and aviation technology.
