Airbus eyes supply chain expansion in Vietnam

European aerospace giant Airbus is recommitting to expanding its supply chain in Vietnam as part of the company's ongoing efforts to optimize operations and better serve customers.

The comments were made by Hoang Tri Mai, Airbus chief representative in Vietnam, during her keynote speech at Vietnam Aviation Forum 2023 in Hanoi on Tuesday.

Vietnam has been identified as a country with great potential thanks to its highly skilled and motivated workforce, vibrant manufacturing sector, and highly developed infrastructure, she said. Therefore, Airbus sees opportunities to further tap the country's growth potential.

"Vietnam is a country that has made remarkable progress in recent years, and we are excited to be a part of its continued growth," Mai said.

"Airbus is already in close discussions with local companies to provide new work packages in aircraft parts manufacturing, as we develop a robust supply chain that meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability."

Airbus’ existing partnerships in aircraft parts manufacturing include Artus (Meggitt) Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City for the supply of electro-mechanical equipment for the A320 family and for the A330 and A350 widebody programs, and Nikkiso Vietnam in Hanoi for the supply of composite structures for the A320 sharklet and A330neo and A350 aerostructure parts.

Airbus is a leading aircraft supplier of airlines in Vietnam, with more than 220 in the fleets of Vietnam-based carriers and another 110 on order for future delivery, the European giant says.

The expansion of Airbus' supply chain in Vietnam will also contribute to the economic development of the country. Today, Vietnam’s air transport sector supports 2.2 million jobs and contributes $12.5 billion in gross value or 5.2% to its GDP.

In terms of sustainability, Airbus is also exploring ways to support the Vietnamese government and other stakeholders to meet the country’s decarbonization goals, the corporation says.

As Vietnam’s ecosystem is being prepared for the use of sustainable aviation fuels, Airbus is leading the way in ensuring a more sustainable future for aviation. This is being achieved through the introduction of new-generation aircraft that are more fuel-efficient, and in optimizing airline operations with Airbus’ Navblue subsidiary expertise in airspace management.

Boeing, a major competitor to Airbus, is also seeking to get more suppliers in Vietnam. Boeing executives are joining the largest-ever U.S. business mission in the country on March 21-23 to discuss investment and business opportunities.

At Boeing Aerospace Industry Forum in Hanoi last August, Boeing Vietnam country director Michael Nguyen said the American giant wanted to become a strategic aircraft supplier in Vietnam and was seeking more domestic suppliers.