Thai Aerospace Industries (TAI) has teamed up with Dviation Solutions of Malaysia to establish an aviation training and examination centre in Thailand, expecting to train 500 local technicians in the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) sector.
The centre will comply with the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards, said Thanakrit Atswalongkorn, TAI's chief executive. The two parties have yet to select a location for the centre and conclude a development budget.
Mr Thanakrit said the centre is a joint venture, with a plan expected by the fourth quarter.
"Both companies will train specialised MRO technicians for aircraft to serve the aviation sector in Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region, as we expect the sector to maintain high growth in the near future," he said. "New technicians from the centre will meet EASA standards and be able to work in this sector worldwide."
Mr Thanakrit said Asia-Pacific has great potential in the aviation industry because of growing economies and increasing demand from airlines.
The aviation industry in Asia-Pacific is valued at US$100 million a year.
TAI forecasts the Thai aviation sector to need 80,000-90,000 workers over the next five years.
"But there are only 5,000 Thai technicians available," Mr Thanakrit said.
He said TAI plans to cooperate with Thailand's educational institutions to produce new students for the country's aviation industry, in line with the government's plan to promote 12 targeted industries.
Founded in 2002, TAI is a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Asia Aerospace Industries. The company provides MRO services in Thailand's aerospace and defence sectors.
Kevin Teoh, group managing director of Dviation Solutions, said his company aims to expand its business presence in Thailand as the government promotes the aviation industry in the hopes of developing a regional hub.
"We are confident Thailand can be the focal point in Southeast Asia for this industry," Mr Teoh said.
Dviation Solutions has locations in Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Phnom Penh and Zurich. The company complies with EASA standards to provide solutions at MRO centres.