AirAsia Confirms US$150 million Investment in EEC Facility

 

On 16 May 218, AirAsia Group has confirmed it will invest US$150 million (4.8 billion baht) in a maintenance, repair overhaul (MRO) facility at the Eastern Economic Corridor’s U-tapao airport. The facility, to be complete in one year, will serve as a maintenance centre for all 200 of AirAsia Group’s aircraft in the region. The MRO facility will offer services to other airlines and is forecast to attract 10-20 supporting firms to invest in Thailand.

 

Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive, said the company would make the investment after meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak on 16 May 2018. He said “We can immediately begin the project once the Thai government approves it. But it will still take a month to reach a final agreement with partners and about 12 months to construct the facility,” 

 

AirAsia plans to add two aircraft a year to its U-tapao fleet which currently serving nine routes. The company also expressed the readiness to work closely with Airport of Thailand Plc.

 

Thailand is a significant destination for AirAsia investment because of the hight potential of its industry. U-tapao’s capacity can be raised to 20-30 million passengers (equal to that of Don Mueang airport) in the next five years, once the high-speed railway linking all three airports is in service. 

 

http://www.thaigov.go.th/news/contents/details/12296

 

https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/transport/1466710/airasia-confirms-us-150m-investment-in-eec-facility