Thai Airways International announced plans to establish a long-term lease agreement with the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office of Thailand for a 33.6-hectare site at Utapao. Scheduled to be signed in January 2026, the lease will facilitate a new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility comprising six hangars, built in two phases at an estimated cost of THB 10 billion (USD 307.7 million). The carrier, which has recently incorporated two MRO компании, intends to sublease 4.8 hectares of the site to Bangkok Airways to support its MRO operations.
This development marks a strategic expansion for Thai Airways, leveraging the Utapao airport as part of its regional infrastructure growth. The project aims to enhance the country's aviation capabilities with a focus on aircraft maintenance and regional connectivity. The Thai government and Thai Airways emphasized the importance of this infrastructure investment in bolstering the country's aviation industry and supporting future fleet expansion and route development.
The plans also highlight an ongoing effort to diversify operational bases beyond Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, reinforcing Thailand's position as a key regional aviation hub. Officials from Thai Airways expressed confidence that the new MRO facility and lease arrangement will significantly improve maintenance efficiency and operational flexibility. The project’s success could encourage further investment in the Thai aviation sector, including airport improvements and fleet enhancements.
For more information, readers can follow updates from Bangkok Business News and other official sources.
