Vietjet Thailand and AFI KLM E&M sign landmark long-term components support agreement for Boeing 737-8 fleet
Paris, Amstelveen, Bangkok – 16th of September 2025 – Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) and Vietjet Thailand (Thai VietJet Air Joint Stock Co., Ltd.) have signed a comprehensive long-term Power-by-the-Hour (PBH) components support agreement, covering a fleet of 50 Boeing 737-8 aircraft. The contract includes full components repair, access to AFI KLM E&M’s worldwide pool, and Main Base Kit (MBK) support.
This strategic agreement marks a first-of-its-kind in Thailand: the first Boeing 737-8 components deal for Vietjet Thailand and in the country, reinforcing AFI KLM E&M’s footprint and leadership in the region.
The signing ceremony was held on September 15th at the Dutch Embassy Residence in Bangkok, in the presence of His Excellency Remco Johannes van Wijngaarden, Dutch Ambassador to Thailand, underlining the significance of the partnership. Woranate Laprabang, CEO of Vietjet Thailand, and Sathirawat Ponnark, VP Operations, signed the contract, alongside Mathieu Essenberg, EVP KLM Engineering & Maintenance.
“This agreement marks an important step in our collaboration with AFI KLM E&M,” said Woranate Laprabang, CEO of Vietjet Thailand. “KLM E&M know-how and experience is a warranty for a smooth and reliable entry in service for the Boeing 737-8 in our fleet. It not only ensures the highest level of technical support for our Boeing 737-8 fleet but also reflects our confidence in their global expertise and proven ability to keep our operations reliable and efficient, ultimately allowing us to deliver a seamless, safe, and high-quality flying experience to our customers.”
Mathieu Essenberg, EVP KLM Engineering & Maintenance, added: “We are proud to be selected as Vietjet Thailand’s long-term partner for components support. This milestone contract – the first of its kind for Boeing 737-8 in Thailand – demonstrates our ability to deliver high-quality, tailored solutions that meet the needs of a fast-growing airline.”
About Vietjet Thailand
Vietjet Thailand (Thai VietJet Air Joint Stock Co., Ltd.) is a leading low-cost carrier in Thailand, operating as an associate company of VietJet Aviation Joint Stock Company (Vietnam). Established in 2014, the airline provides affordable, quality air services across Thailand and to international destinations, with a strong commitment to innovation, safety, and customer satisfaction. Awarded the ‘Best Low-Cost Airline Brand, Thailand 2025’ by Global Brand Awards 2025, Vietjet Thailand has been continuously expanding its young and modern fleet, currently operates 32 routes both domestic and international.
About AFI KLM E&M
Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance is a major multi-product MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) provider. With a workforce of over 12,800, AFI KLM E&M offers comprehensive technical support for airlines, ranging from engineering and line maintenance to engine overhaul, aero structure, and fan thrust reverser support, as well as the management, repair, and supply of aircraft components, structured around a powerful logistics network. AFI KLM E&M supports almost 3,000 aircraft operated by 200 major international and domestic airlines.
