Reference
·Supporting source
U-Tapao Aerospace MRO project (EEC anchor)
~USD 290M (Phase 1)
The U-Tapao Aerospace Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) project — anchored at U-Tapao International Airport in Rayong as part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) — was initially structured as a Thai Airways / Airbus joint venture with a Phase 1 capex envelope of approximately THB 10.6 billion (~USD 290M). Airbus formally withdrew in 2021 amid Thai Airways' rehabilitation, and the EEC Office has since restructured the project. The MRO is intended to dual-serve commercial widebodies and Royal Thai Air Force fixed-wing fleet sustainment, including Gripen and C-130H/J support. Updated project structure with new prime contender(s) is still being negotiated.
Figure in context
The U-Tapao Aerospace Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) project — anchored at U-Tapao International Airport in Rayong as part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) — was initially structured as a Thai Airways / Airbus joint venture with a Phase 1 capex envelope of approximately THB 10.6 billion (~USD 290M). Airbus formally withdrew in 2021 amid Thai Airways' rehabilitation, and the EEC Office has since restructured the project. The MRO is intended to dual-serve commercial widebodies and Royal Thai Air Force fixed-wing fleet sustainment, including Gripen and C-130H/J support. Updated project structure with new prime contender(s) is still being negotiated.
The U-Tapao Aerospace Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) project — anchored at U-Tapao International Airport in Rayong as part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) — was initially structured as a Thai Airways / Airbus joint venture with a Phase 1 capex envelope of approximately THB 10.6 billion (~USD 290M). Airbus formally withdrew in 2021 amid Thai Airways' rehabilitation, and the EEC Office has since restructured the project. The MRO is intended to dual-serve commercial widebodies and Royal Thai Air Force fixed-wing fleet sustainment, including Gripen and C-130H/J support. Updated project structure with new prime contender(s) is still being negotiated.
Time scope
2018-present (project lifecycle)
Source basis
Supporting source
Interpretation notes
What this tells you
The U-Tapao Aerospace Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) project — anchored at U-Tapao International Airport in Rayong as part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) — was initially structured as a Thai Airways / Airbus joint venture with a Phase 1 capex envelope of approximately THB 10.6 billion (~USD 290M). Airbus formally withdrew in 2021 amid Thai Airways' rehabilitation, and the EEC Office has since restructured the project. The MRO is intended to dual-serve commercial widebodies and Royal Thai Air Force fixed-wing fleet sustainment, including Gripen and C-130H/J support. Updated project structure with new prime contender(s) is still being negotiated.
What not to do with it
Phase 1 capex figure reflects the original Airbus-era project structure. The EEC Office has not yet published a binding Phase 1 capex for the post-Airbus restructure.
Related figures
Adjacent numbers that add context without drowning the value.
Thailand Ministry of Defence budget (2020-2024)
SIPRI Military Expenditure Database, Thailand Bureau of the Budget, MoD annual budget statements
MoD budget allocation by service branch
Thailand Bureau of the Budget FY2024 Budget Act, Defence News service breakdowns, IISS Military Balance
Saab Gripen E/F Thailand fighter contract value (proposed)
Saab AB Q3 2024 investor briefing, Royal Thai Air Force selection announcement, Bangkok Post defence coverage
Royal Thai Army armoured vehicle fleet (selected platforms)
IISS Military Balance 2024, Royal Thai Army announcements, US DSCA Foreign Military Sales notification archive
Defence Technology Institute (DTI) R&D appropriation (2020-2024)
Defence Technology Institute annual reports, Thailand Bureau of the Budget DTI line item, Janes Defence Industry
Thailand defence equipment imports vs domestic share
SIPRI Arms Transfers Database, Janes Defence Industry, DTI annual report, Chaiseri Defence company disclosures
Report context
Atlas actors in this figure's reports
Profiles covered in the report that cite this number.