Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Executive Vice President of Airbus International Wouter Van Wersch in Hanoi on March 14, during which the former urged Airbus to invest in and support the development of Vietnam's aviation industry ecosystem.

The PM was quoted by the Government News as telling his guest that Vietnam's aviation market is experiencing positive growth, transporting 41.4 million passengers and one million tons of cargo in 2024.

Currently, Vietnam has four airlines operating 98 international routes to 20 countries and territories. The country has a network of 22 airports and is building and upgrading major airport projects such as Long Thanh International Airport in the southern province of Dong Nai, Gia Binh Airport in the northern province of Bac Ninh, and Chu Lai Airport in the central province of Quang Nam

The Prime Minister suggested the world's leading aircraft manufacturer help expand Vietnam's aircraft fleet and speed up the delivery of contracted aircraft orders to Vietnamese airlines.

He called for the expansion of Airbus's supply chain and aircraft equipment production in Vietnam, the establishment of an aircraft maintenance and repair center in the country, and investment in manufacturing plants for aircraft components, contributing to the development of Vietnam’s aviation industry ecosystem.

The Airbus was also encouraged to consider enhancing technology transfer to Vietnamese partners, train high-quality human resources, improve aviation standards, and provide pilot training.

Additionally, the Prime Minister proposed Airbus share management expertise with Vietnam and strengthen its comprehensive cooperation with Vietnamese ministries, agencies, and organizations—particularly in new areas such as aviation logistics, aerospace, satellites, science and technology development, and e-commerce.

Mr. Wersch, for his part, as quoted by the Government News, said Airbus has been a long-term partner of Vietnamese agencies and businesses, with approximately 200 aircrafts currently operated by Vietnamese airlines, accounting for 65 per cent of Vietnam’s aircraft market.

Airbus is working with a Japanese partner to build an Over-wing Door aircraft component manufacturing plant in Vietnam, he added.

Mr. Wersch hailed the potential of Vietnam's aviation market as a regional aviation hub, adding that beyond supplying aircraft, Airbus could support the development of Viet Nam's aviation industry by expanding the aircraft manufacturing supply chain, enhancing digital transformation in aviation, and training aviation personnel.

In addition to cooperation in civil aviation, Airbus can also engage in projects related to space technology and aircraft component manufacturing, he told  PM Chinh.

Mr. Wersch expressed his hope that Vietnam will continue to assist Airbus to foster collaboration with Vietnamese relevant agencies and businesses in the development of sustainable aircraft in line with the nation's future development strategy.