CFM International and Vietnam’s Vietjet have signed a letter of intent to assess the feasibility of developing local maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for LEAP engines in Vietnam, the companies said during Vietnamese General Secretary and President To Lam’s official visit to France.
Under the agreement, CFM would propose a consulting arrangement to advise Vietjet on engine MRO requirements, capabilities, infrastructure, workforce needs and other industry considerations linked to a potential local maintenance operation.
The initiative comes as Vietjet expands its next-generation fleet and could support the airline’s long-term operations while helping Vietnam develop high-value aerospace services, train internationally qualified engineers and deepen its role in the global aviation supply chain.
CFM has powered Vietjet’s growth since the airline took delivery of its first CFM56-powered Airbus A320ceo in 2014. Vietjet now operates 50 CFM56-powered A320ceo and A321ceo aircraft.
The relationship is set to enter a new phase following Vietjet’s recent order for 200 Boeing 737-8 aircraft, including 737-8 and 737-8-200 models powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines.
