Bangkok: Airbus, the global aerospace leader, is advancing its strategic plans to elevate Thailand as a pivotal regional hub for digital business and aerospace engineering. According to Thai News Agency, the initiative involves establishing Bangkok as the Asian headquarters for Skywise, Airbus's digital arm, which will oversee operations across the region. Thailand has also been chosen as the exclusive testing base for Airbus's software, serving global customers. This plan aims to leverage Thailand's strengths in the global aerospace supply chain, enhance human resources for the maintenance industry, and promote Thailand as a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production hub.
Mr. Narut Teodsathirasak, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI), shared insights after meeting with Mr. Bert Porteman, President of Airbus Thailand, in Bangkok. Airbus identifies Thailand as a crucial business base, establishing a regional Flight Operations Center of Excellence under the Skywise brand. The country will serve as the regional office for Skywise, facilitating the development of aviation systems through digital and modern technologies.
Currently, Airbus employs over 200 personnel in Thailand, a significant rise since 2022, with 85% of these employees being Thai nationals. These include aerospace engineers, software engineers, graphic designers, technicians, and other skilled professionals. Airbus plans to expand its workforce in Thailand by an additional 40 employees this year. The BOI is in discussions with Airbus to upgrade Thailand's aviation industry by leveraging the automotive parts industry to expand into the aircraft parts supply chain, developing personnel for the aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector, and promoting Thailand as a base for SAF production.
A central outcome of the discussions was the expansion of Skywise, Airbus's digital division, in Thailand. The company is broadening its Skywise software testing team, positioning Thailand as its sole global software testing base. Airbus also plans to establish Bangkok as the regional headquarters for Skywise in Asia, covering ASEAN, China, India, Japan, and South Korea.
Airbus perceives Thailand as a potential leader in Synthetic Fuel (SAF) production due to its abundant agricultural waste and robust ethanol industry. In the short term, SAF can be made from used cooking oil, with medium-term plans to produce SAF from ethanol by converting alcohol into aviation fuel. In the long term, there is potential for developing technology to produce synthetic fuel from carbon dioxide and water using renewable energy.
"This discussion highlights Thailand's opportunities to enhance its role in the aviation industry, encompassing digital and software advancements, supply chain and human resource development, MRO capabilities, and jet fuel (SAF) production. The BOI is prepared to collaborate with Airbus and relevant agencies to drive the development of Thailand's aviation industry," Mr. Narut stated.
Airbus, Europe's largest aircraft and defense systems manufacturer, has operated in Thailand for over 40 years. It currently operates more than 150 commercial aircraft in the country, with major clients including Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, and Thai Vietjet. Additionally, it has nearly 80 helicopters, mainly utilized by military and government agencies.