Bangkok:The Prime Minister has called on Airbus to strengthen its partnership with Thailand by increasing investment and technology transfer to promote sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from local agricultural resources and to establish a Center of Excellence for aerospace industry development.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wouter van Wersch, Executive Vice President for International Affairs at Airbus Limited, and Mr. Bert Porteman, representative of Airbus Thailand, met with Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul to discuss enhancing cooperation in aviation, aerospace technology, human resource development, and clean energy.
The Prime Minister highlighted the government's commitment to advancing the aviation and future industries. He praised Airbus's ongoing collaboration with Thailand in job creation, skill development, and aviation industry support, urging the company to expand its cooperation comprehensively. He suggested adapting successful international cooperation models to benefit Thailand through Airbus's global expertise and network.
In the clean energy sector, the Prime Minister encouraged Airbus to integrate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced in Thailand from local raw materials, which would reduce aviation greenhouse gas emissions, create new market opportunities, enhance agricultural product value, and provide income for Thai farmers.
Airbus plans to establish a Center of Excellence in Thailand, serving as a hub for knowledge and technology development, connecting global expertise to Thailand, and offering Thai personnel the chance to advance their technological skills, ultimately strengthening the capabilities of Thai industry.
The Prime Minister also suggested expanding cooperation in space technology and security, building on partnerships with Thai agencies like the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) and Thaicom Public Company Limited. This collaboration would focus on knowledge transfer and personnel development to bolster Thailand's space technology capabilities.
Discussions also covered the development of the aviation industry and related services, including collaboration with Thai Airways Public Company Limited, as well as efforts to develop human resources to support the aviation sector's growth and Thailand's aim to become a regional aviation hub.
The Prime Minister affirmed the government's readiness to support Airbus in fostering cooperation beyond aviation, aiming to increase investment, job creation, skill development, and technology transfer. This initiative aims to ensure tangible benefits for Thai people and businesses from the growth of the aviation, aerospace, and future technologies sectors.