Thai Aerospace Industries Co Ltd (TAI), a leading provider of aircraft maintenance and repair services in Thailand and Southeast Asia, has announced a partnership with Pratt & Whitney Canada Inc, a global leader in aerospace, automotive and space services, to provide aviation support for military aircraft and aeroplanes of other government agencies.
The memorandum of understanding was signed last week, and executives of both parties plan to give more details of their joint efforts in Bangkok soon.
The partnership focuses on maintenance of aircraft for the army and government agencies, as well as expanding TAI's service capabilities and high standards to cope with the country's ambitious goal to become a regional aviation hub.
Thanakrit Asalongkorn, chief executive of TAI, said the alliance with Pratt & Whitney will strengthen Thailand's aviation industry because the latter is a world-class aviation service provider.
The goal is to elevate aircraft maintenance service in Thailand to meet global standards under the Federal Aviation Administration, European Aviation Safety Agency and International Civil Aviation Organization.
Under the agreement, Pratt & Whitney Canada will provide technical support, material management assessment and training.
The parties will set up a maintenance repair operation in Thailand, though the company declined to disclose the location.
The Royal Thai Armed Forces, Royal Thai Police and the government operate a fleet of helicopters and aeroplanes equipped with more than 200 Pratt & Whitney engines.
The government has outlined policies to promote U-tapao airport as a regional aviation hub, a major part of the flagship Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) business scheme.
The move has attracted several of the world's leading aircraft and parts manufacturers from the US, Europe and China to signal their interest in investment in the EEC.