Southeast Asia is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, and in Vietnam, the expansion of air travel demand is expected to drive demand for maintenance services at a pace exceeding fleet growth. Meanwhile, aircraft MRO capabilities are concentrated in a limited number of countries, including Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, the country’s MRO market is projected to reach approximately US$7.4 billion by 2030. However, at present, domestic maintenance capacity has not kept pace with the growth in demand, making the expansion of maintenance capabilities an urgent priority.
This project aims to address such structural supply-demand gaps, while enhancing aircraft maintenance capabilities in Vietnam and increasing technical self-reliance.
In addition, Quang Ninh Province and the Van Don area are actively promoting the attraction of high value-added industries, in addition to tourism, services and logistics, and are expected to become new growth centers supported by their strategic location and advantages in transportation infrastructure. The facility will also contribute to regional economic development through job creation and the formation of related industries.
Project Overview and Roles of Each Company
This project aims to respond to the growing demand for aircraft maintenance in Southeast Asia, while contributing to the development of Vietnam’s aviation industry and strengthening the regional aviation value chain.
Based on the agreement, the four companies will jointly develop an aircraft MRO complex, designed in accordance with international standards, on a site of approximately 20 hectares at Van Don International Airport.
The facility will be capable of accommodating four wide-body aircraft and two narrow-body aircraft simultaneously and is expected to become one of the largest aircraft maintenance bases in Vietnam. Operations are scheduled to commence in 2028, and the project is expected to create approximately 1,000 jobs (including around 200 foreign specialists), contributing to the development of highly skilled human resources in the aviation sector.
The project brings together the strengths of leading companies across the aviation, maintenance and industrial sectors. By integrating these strengths, the partners aim to establish a competitive, internationally recognized MRO hub.
HAECO: Advanced maintenance technologies and operational expertise as a global MRO service provider
Sun Group: Proven track record in airport development and aviation-related infrastructure in Vietnam
Toyota Tsusho: Expertise in developing and managing global supply chains, as well as capability in driving cross-border alliance businesses
Japan Airlines: Operational and maintenance expertise based on safety and quality, as well as human resource development capabilities
Outlook
The MRO complex is expected to enhance aircraft maintenance capabilities in Vietnam to international standards and serve as a foundation for reducing reliance on overseas maintenance facilities. It is also expected to support Vietnam’s participation in higher value-added segments of the global aviation value chain.
Through this project, the four companies will integrate aviation infrastructure, maintenance technologies, operational expertise and industrial networks, and contribute to the development of a sustainable aviation ecosystem and the advancement of the aviation industry.
