Thailand Courts NZAero to Build Aircraft Plant and Repair Hub

Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphas revealed that Thailand has invited NZAero, a leading New Zealand small aircraft and aerospace manufacturer, to invest in advanced aviation technology and aircraft maintenance services in Thailand. Ekniti stated that Thailand plans to establish an aircraft maintenance and repair center (MRO) in the Eastern Economic Corridor and is prepared to streamline investment approvals through a fast-track channel to remove obstacles for investors.

"Thailand has been a long-standing customer of NZAero, and we have invited the company to establish both a manufacturing plant and maintenance center here because we already have an MRO project underway in the EEC," Ekniti said. During the Prime Minister's official New Zealand visit on August 21-22, the delegation toured NZAero's hangar and cockpit of the CT4E training aircraft at Ardmore Airport near Auckland. Prime Minister Anuthon announced that Thailand's air force would consider purchasing additional training aircraft from NZAero for pilot training operations.

NZAero is a leading New Zealand commercial aircraft manufacturer with over 70 years of history and has maintained strong ties with the Royal Thai Air Force, particularly through its CT4 training aircraft—nicknamed "The Chicken"—which has served Thai aviation for 54 years and trained over 3,500 pilots since 1973. Approximately 70 aircraft have been delivered to Thailand, and the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej personally received the second aircraft off the production line.

During the visit, both prime ministers witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Top Flying Limited and NZAero to provide comprehensive support for Thailand's CT4 fleet, including maintenance, engineering upgrades, spare parts management, knowledge exchange, training, and future capability development. The partnership aims to ensure the Thai CT4 fleet operates safely, reliably, and with maximum efficiency.