Thailand preparing to challenge China

From The Thaiger

Thailand is gearing up to challenge China in the lucrative aircraft maintenanceindustry, with Chiang Rai Airport (CEI) set to become a major Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub. The ambitious project, spearheaded by Airports of Thailand (AOT), is targeting the booming Chinese market.

AOT President Kerati Kijmanawat revealed that land preparation is already underway, with the first hangar expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Discussions are also in progress with Chinese aerospace giant AVIC to establish an MRO provider at the facility.

“There is a lot of land at Chiang Rai. We have only used 316 acres of the 1,186 acres available. And being situated near the southern border of China, there’s a lot of Chinese aircraft that want to do MRO but cannot do it effectively in China.”

Despite its strategic location, the project will take time to gain momentum. Kerati estimated that it could take up to five years for the facility to become fully viable. Currently, Chiang Rai Airport operates a single 3,000-metre runway, serving domestic and international carriers, including China Eastern Airlines, Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet Air.

Meanwhile, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is also eyeing MRO expansion. With plans for a northern terminal scrapped, AOT now has additional land to develop another hangar, reported Aviation Week.

In similar news, Southeast Asia’s aviation industry is taking off this year, with major airports and emerging destinations recording impressive growth in seat capacity.

Fuelled by surging travel demand, expanded airline networks, and strategic connectivity upgrades, the region is cementing its position as a global aviation powerhouse. Leading the charge is Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, adding a staggering 407,000 seats in January, a 16% increase from last year.

https://thethaiger.com/news/national/chiang-rai-to-become-major-aircraft-repair-hub