Airbus launches new production project in Vietnam

Airbus has announced a production project in Vietnam to meet the needs of the Vietnamese aviation supply chain in particular and the global supply chain in general.

Specifically, Airbus is implementing the Wing Emergency Exit Door Project for the A321neo narrow-body aircraft. These exit doors are manufactured in Hanoi by MHI Vietnam, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Japan.

The first products manufactured in Vietnam will soon be delivered and shipped to Airbus factories in Germany for aircraft assembly.

Under the contract between Airbus and MHI, signed in 2023, the Airbus sent experts from France and Germany to Vietnam to work closely with MHI, and directly guide and train Vietnamese human resources.

With its production chain in Vietnam, Airbus not only enhances the group's production capacity but also ensures flexibility in the global supply chain, helping to reduce implementation time and accelerate production rate of the Airbus A320neo family.

In addition, this strategic move by Airbus also contributes to the development of Vietnam's economy by creating highly skilled jobs and developing skills for aviation workers.

Ms. Hoang Tri Mai, General Director of Airbus Vietnam, said that the implementation of this production project in Vietnam demonstrates Airbus' commitment to cooperating with partners to develop the domestic aviation industry.

“Vietnamese human resources focus on quality and have the skills to meet our expectations, as well as contribute to Airbus’ global supply chain,” said Ms. Tri Mai. “We are delighted that more and more parts and products made in Vietnam are being assembled on Airbus aircraft, accompanying airlines flying around the world.”

Mr. Go Fujikawa, General Director of MHI's Commercial Aviation Systems, said that MHI highly values ​​the significance of the event of MHI's factory in Vietnam handing over the emergency exit door of the A321 aircraft to Airbus.

“This success marks the beginning of new airframe production in Vietnam, affirming Vietnam’s important position in the rapidly growing aviation market in Asia,” he added. “This project will contribute to the development and regional competitiveness of Vietnam’s economy by enhancing the technical capacity of the Vietnamese workforce.”

The A321neo is the largest version of Airbus' A320neo family, with outstanding range and performance. Thanks to the combination of new-generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo offers 50 per cent less noise, 20 per cent more fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions compared to previous generation narrowbody aircraft. To date, more than 90 customers worldwide have ordered more than 6,400 A321neo aircraft.

The latest production project with MHI Vietnam continues Airbus’ industrial collaborations in the Vietnamese market, currently creating jobs for around 1,500 local workers.

Vietnam is a key market for Airbus in the Asia-Pacific region. Domestic airlines are operating more than 200 Airbus aircraft and 107 are awaiting delivery.

In the industrial sector, Airbus is collaborating with Vietnamese companies such as Artus (Meggitt) Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, supplying electromechanical equipment for the A320, A330 and A350 aircraft. In addition, Nikkiso Vietnam in Hanoi produces composite structures for the A320 Sharklet and components for the A330neo and A350 aircraft.

Airbus has a long-term strategic partnership with Vietnam and is committed to supporting the development of the domestic aviation industry. The Group also aims to support Vietnam in its journey to become a major player in the global aerospace industry.