Vietnam a key market of Airbus Helicopters: exec

Vietnam is a key market for civil and specialized helicopters manufactured by Airbus, Olivier Michalon, executive vice president in charge of global business for Airbus Helicopters, told Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha at a meeting in Hanoi on Wednesday.

Airbus Helicopters considers Vietnam a priority long-term partner, and will focus its investment on research, technology transfer, pilot and engineer training, and operation and maintenance of new-generation helicopters in the country, Michalon added.

For his part, Deputy PM Ha said the fruits of cooperation between Airbus and Vietnamese partners in the aviation industry, especially regarding technology, management expertise, technique, and products, serve as criteria based on which local partners decide to set up or expand long-term ties with Airbus.

The host suggested Airbus could help Vietnam build plans for the aviation industry and train human resources.

He called on the European aircraft giant to transfer component and equipment production technology to Vietnam under its global value chain.

The group should also consider expanding partnerships to new areas like aerospace/satellites, helicopters, science-technology, search and rescue, security, and defense.

“Airbus Helicopters should take the next study and investment steps based on the development strategy and potential of the Vietnamese market,” Ha suggested.

In Vietnam, Airbus has several partners in aircraft component manufacturing, including Artus (Meggitt) Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City and Nikkiso Vietnam in Hanoi.