VietNamNet Bridge - Taikoo Spirit Aero Systems Composite (China) - one of the world's leading aircraft maintenance and repair services - is planning to build factories in ASEAN member countries, including Vietnam, according to the Vientiane Times.

"We are looking for opportunities to expand the aircraft repair plants in the ASEAN region, also in neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam," said the company’s CEO Sunny Mirchandani.

However, Mr. Mirchandani also expressed some concerns around the issue of construction of branches in ASEAN. "The important thing is still the quality of infrastructure and the regulations adopted in each country in the region."

He explained that aircraft repair and maintenance does not just need a vast industrial area, but also requires wide, straight roads, and stable traffic conditions.

Meanwhile, according to Mirchandani, many ASEAN member countries have not met the requirements.

Infrastructure development is now the focus in many ASEAN countries to attract foreign investors. It is estimated that the development of infrastructure in ASEAN will need up to $8.2 billion dollars in 10 years between 2010 and 2020, equivalent to about $800 billion dollars per year. Of these, 68% will be used to build new infrastructure, while the remaining 32% will be used to maintain, repair the existing systems.

Taikoo Spirit Aero Systems (also known as Jinjiang) is part of the HAECO Group and currently serves customers worldwide. In the ASEAN region, HAECO Group is a partner with Lao Airlines.

HAECO Group was established in Hong Kong in 1950, and quickly became one of the major service providers of maintenance and repair of aircraft in the world.

Nam Nguyen