HÀ NỘI — National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines on Sunday broke ground on two aviation service projects at the under-construction Long Thành International Airport, with a total investment of nearly VNĐ1.8 trillion (US$70 million).

The projects include an in-flight catering facility developed by Vietnam Airlines’ subsidiary Vietnam Airlines Caterers and an aircraft maintenance centre by Vietnam Airlines Engineering Company (VAECO).

These projects are part of the aviation service area in the first phase of the Long Thành International Airport development, designed to establish a comprehensive international-standard aviation ecosystem, including ground handling, catering, logistics and technical services at Việt Nam’s future air transit hub.

As a leading force in the aviation industry, Vietnam Airlines is committed to investing in the development of Long Thành International Airport from the early stages, said Deputy Director General of Vietnam Airlines Lê Đức Cảnh.

The catering facility covers 30,646sq.m with a total investment of VNĐ687 billion, and will initially be capable of producing 20,000 meals per day and 40,000 meals in the next phase.

The plant will meet strict international food safety and quality standards, and features a 1,672sq.m halal-certified kitchen.

VAECO’s aircraft maintenance complex project is built on 45,525sq.m, with a initial investment of around VNĐ1.1 trillion. The facility will provide both line and base maintenance for aircraft including Airbus models A320, A321 and A350 as well as Boeing 787s. — VNS