Airbus seeks to supply helicopters to Vietnam

The company realizes the potential of Vietnam’s aerospace industry, Johan Pelissier, Airbus general manager in charge of defense and aerospace for the Asia-Pacific region, told reporters Wednesday.

Airbus produced Vietnam’s first earth observation satellite, VNREDSat-1, which was launched into orbit from France in 2013 and continues to send back images.

It marked the beginning of Vietnam’s space exploration ambitions.

Airbus is working with the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology to produce VNREDSat-2, which is said to be technologically far more advanced than the first satellite.

Airbus is set to showcase various helicopters and military transport aircraft with long-haul capability and low operating costs and fuel consumption at the 2022 Vietnam International Defense Exhibition starting Thursday.

Hoang Tri Mai, general director of Airbus in Vietnam, said the country is a key market for her company.

In addition to commercial aircraft, the company also makes helicopters and transport aircraft for the military, oil and gas industry and search and rescue, she added.

Fabrice Rochereau, general director of sales and marketing in charge of the company’s helicopter division, said Airbus sees the need for Vietnam to renew its military helicopter fleet in future for search and rescue missions, maritime security and public services.

Airbus helicopters account for 12% of Vietnam’s fleet, rising to 50% in the oil and gas industry.