Airbus executives after the press announcement. — Photo provided by the agency

Airbus has seen growth potential in its military and space businesses in Viet Nam and has reiterated its commitment to the company’s in-country presence.

Airbus executives spoke to reporters a during a press conference in Ha Noi on Wednesday, ahead the Vietnam Defence Expo in which the company is also taking part. The three-day expo opened its door today in the capital city.

Airbus executives underlined that Viet Nam is a key market for their company, where it has grown to become a supplier of choice for its commercial aircraft, defence, helicopters and space products.

Beyond the commercial aircraft sector, Airbus has a total of 20 rotorcraft and military transports in service, used for missions including transportation, utility, oil and gas, and military operations. Airbus is now a leader in the Vietnamese oil and gas segment, where it holds 50 per cent of the country’s helicopter in-service fleet.

Looking mid to long term, the company sees Viet Nam’s military helicopter demand as vital, led by fleet modernisation and renewal for search and rescue, law enforcement, maritime security and utility, while the oil and gas segment will continue to drive civil helicopter growth.

Beyond aircraft assets, the company underscored its successful track record supporting Viet Nam’s space endeavours. Airbus developed, manufactured and launched VNREDSat-1, the country’s first Earth observation satellite, into orbit in 2013, which marked its full autonomous entry in space, and is still operating today well beyond its contracted life expectancy.

Riding on the success of the VNREDSat-1, Airbus is working closely with the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology to define the solution for VNREDSat-2, which includes a transfer of technology programme.

Thanks to the huge potential for Viet Nam’s space development, Airbus is ready to expand this current partnership to support the nation build and grow its space industry, according to the company.

At the same time, Airbus also reiterated the importance of its long-standing partnerships in Viet Nam. Besides an expanded country office, the company has established a strong supplier ecosystem where local partners such as Artus (Meggitt) Vietnam and Nikkiso Vietnam play an integral role in aircraft equipment supply and parts manufacturing.

“Viet Nam is a key partner to Airbus, whom we share the same vision for future aerospace development," said Hoang Tri Mai, Airbus Chief Representative for Viet Nam.

"We are fully dedicated to strengthening our local partnerships in support of this growing aerospace sector.” — VNS