Vietjet is strengthening its aviation technology, maintenance and engineering capabilities as it continues to expand its international network and growing presence in Australia. The investment comes ahead of the launch of the airline’s new Western Sydney–Ho Chi Minh City service in January 2027, further strengthening air connectivity between Australia and Vietnam.
During Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam’s official visit to France, Vietjet signed strategic agreements with Thales and CFM International covering aircraft component maintenance, digital aviation, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and the potential development of next-generation engine maintenance capabilities in Vietnam.
The partnerships are designed to strengthen the technical foundations supporting Vietjet’s growing fleet and international operations, while advancing the airline’s capabilities in areas that are increasingly important to modern aviation, including predictive maintenance, secure digital systems, AI and cybersecurity.
Strengthening fleet reliability with Thales
Under a strategic Repair-By-The-Hour (RBTH) agreement, Thales will provide comprehensive component maintenance services for Vietjet’s Airbus fleet, covering A320/A321, A321neo/A321XLR, A330 and A330neo aircraft. The agreement is expected to enhance aircraft reliability and availability while supporting greater cost and operational efficiency as Vietjet continues to scale its international operations.
Vietjet and Thales have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding covering digital aviation, avionics, cybersecurity and AI-enabled airline operations. The cooperation will explore secure cloud solutions, predictive analytics and decision-support technologies to support more efficient and resilient airline operations.
Exploring next-generation engine MRO in Vietnam
Separately, Vietjet and CFM International have signed a Letter of Intent to assess the feasibility of developing LEAP engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in Vietnam.
Under the proposed initiative, CFM would provide advisory services to assess the requirements for a potential local engine MRO solution, including infrastructure, workforce, technical capabilities and broader industry considerations. The initiative could support Vietjet’s long-term fleet requirements while helping develop highly skilled engineering talent and strengthen Vietnam’s position in the global aerospace supply chain.
The partnership comes as Vietjet expands its next-generation fleet. The airline’s relationship with CFM dates back to 2014, when Vietjet took delivery of its first CFM56-powered Airbus A320ceo aircraft. The partnership is set to deepen through Vietjet’s 200-aircraft Boeing 737-8 order, including 737-8 and 737-8-200 aircraft powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines.
The agreements mark a new phase in Vietjet’s investment in the technology, infrastructure and expertise needed to support its expanding international network. For Australia, this growth is particularly significant. Vietjet launched its Australian services in 2023 and has established connections between Vietnam and major Australian cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
The airline has also announced its new Western Sydney – Ho Chi Minh City service, scheduled to begin on 10 January 2027, creating another direct connection between Vietnam and Australia. The airline will launch its first service to Europe this October, alongside new routes connecting Vietnam with Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, Japan and other international destinations. By strengthening aircraft maintenance, digital aviation, AI, cybersecurity and engineering capabilities, Vietjet is building the operational foundations to support its continued growth across Australia, Asia-Pacific and beyond.
