Vietjet has started construction on a new Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility, breaking ground on August 19, 2025 for an MRO Centre that the airline values at nearly $100 million at Long Thanh International Airport. The complex spans 8.4 hectares, will open with two large hangars—known as Hangars 3 and 4—and is designed to service ten aircraft simultaneously, covering both widebody Code E and narrowbody Code C types.
The first phase is scheduled to finish by June 2026, in step with the planned opening of Long Thanh International Airport. The project is expected to create 500–600 jobs for engineers, technicians, and local workers.
Groundbreaking ceremony and stakeholders
The ceremony drew leaders from Dong Nai Province and the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, underscoring how the build fits into Vietnam’s broader aviation push ahead of the country’s 80th National Day.
- Provincial representative Nguyen Minh Hoi emphasized that the project will support high‑tech industry, improve local skills, and foster steady growth.
- Do Hong Cam, deputy director of the Civil Aviation Authority, called for strict quality control and on‑time delivery to meet directives from the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Construction.
- Vietjet’s leadership framed the centre as a long‑term investment to future‑proof operations and support a growing fleet.
Facilities, capacity and services
Beyond Vietjet’s own needs, the MRO Centre is set to offer maintenance services to other airlines, reducing reliance on third parties and keeping more work inside Vietnam.
Key facilities and capabilities:
– Two hangars (Hangars 3 and 4) sized to handle both Code E and Code C aircraft
– An operations building for planning, quality assurance, and parts management
– Advanced maintenance equipment and test stands
– Support systems built to international standards
Design goals:
– Service ten aircraft simultaneously
– Shorten aircraft downtime and tighten turnaround times
– Enable parallel workstreams with safe equipment movement
Strategy and competition
The centre is part of a larger plan to complete the aviation service ecosystem at Long Thanh International Airport, which aims to become the country’s most advanced hub from 2026.
- According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (available at https://www.caa.gov.vn), high‑quality maintenance capability is essential for a modern hub and supports safety, cost control, and reliability.
- Industry observers note growing rivalry in the support market, including deeper cooperation between Vietnam Airlines and Korean Air in MRO and cargo services.
- Vietjet’s investment signals that competition in Vietnam’s aircraft maintenance segment is heating up and shifting toward higher‑value, domestically performed work.
Practical gains for airlines:
1. Shorter ferry flights for heavy checks
2. Quicker access to parts and tooling
3. Fewer schedule disruptions tied to long waits at foreign facilities
These cost- and time-saving benefits are important as carriers expand routes and upgauge aircraft ahead of Long Thanh’s opening.
Jobs and local impact
Vietjet expects the project to create 500–600 high‑quality jobs, covering:
- Experienced engineers and technicians
- Trainees who can develop into licensed staff over time
Local economic effects:
– Strengthens the local talent pipeline
– Attracts related suppliers and draws new investment to the airport area
– Spurs steady demand for tooling, parts logistics, calibration services, and training providers
Education and training:
– Local colleges and technical institutes can align coursework with real‑world maintenance needs
– Early hires are expected to receive hands‑on instruction on the centre’s systems
For the province, these are durable jobs tied to fleet cycles rather than seasonal spikes.
Technical scope and compliance
Technical layout:
– Two large hangars accommodating Code E and Code C aircraft
– Bays arranged for parallel workstreams
– An operations building for planning, quality assurance, and parts management
– Advanced tooling and test stands to handle everything from line checks to heavy structural work
Regulatory oversight and quality:
Do Hong Cam of the Civil Aviation Authority urged the team to meet the Prime Minister’s and the Ministry of Construction’s directives on quality and progress. Provincial leaders pledged to track milestones to keep the build safe and on time.
Analysts note that delays or rework can erase the cost benefits airlines expect from domestic maintenance, so compliance and tight project control are critical.
Industry context and outlook
VisaVerge.com reports that Vietjet’s move aligns with a broader carrier trend to secure operational independence and improve margins during fleet growth cycles. Analysts cited by the site say placing MRO capacity at Long Thanh positions Vietjet close to its network core and helps Vietnam play a larger regional maintenance role once the airport opens.
Immediate operator benefits:
– Access to heavy checks without long waits abroad
– Lower ferry costs and fewer out‑of‑service days
– A service partner located at the same hub where aircraft will park overnight
Authorities tie the project to national goals: as Long Thanh opens, a complete set of support services—from maintenance to cargo handling—will help Vietnam attract more routes and carriers. The MRO Centre is central to that plan because it links reliability and safety to a single, growth‑oriented location.
Expansion potential and key dates
Vietjet has signaled room for expansion once the initial phase is running. If airline demand rises, capacity or services may be added at the site, furthering Vietnam’s status as a regional maintenance hub.
Key dates and milestones:
– Groundbreaking: August 19, 2025
– Phase 1 completion (Hangars 3 & 4): June 2026, aligned with Long Thanh’s planned opening
– Job creation target: 500–600 positions
Even with competition increasing, the timing is favorable. By committing early, Vietjet anchors a core part of the airport’s operating model and signals to partners and suppliers that Long Thanh intends to handle complex work from day one.
This Article in a Nutshell
Vietjet began construction August 19, 2025 on a nearly $100 million MRO Centre at Long Thanh. Spanning 8.4 hectares, Hangars 3 and 4 will service ten Code E and C aircraft simultaneously. Phase 1 finishes June 2026, creating 500–600 skilled jobs and strengthening Vietnam’s aviation maintenance ecosystem.
