On July 28, 2026, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Hoang Minh had a working session with Mr. Tom Owen, Executive Vice President of HAECO Group, to exchange views on the implementation orientation of the MRO center project at Van Don International Airport, Quang Ninh Province.
An overview of the working session.
At the meeting, Deputy Minister Hoang Minh highly appreciated HAECO's investment decision in Viet Nam, particularly in high technology and aviation services.
According to the Deputy Minister, The Ministry of Science and Technology regards foreign investors not only as investment partners but also as development cooperation partners, contributing to driving economic growth and enhancing Viet Nam's technological capacity.
Mr. Tom Owen stated that the joint venture between HAECO, Sun Group, Japan Airlines, and Toyota Group has finalized its cooperation agreement. Groundbreaking for the project is expected in late 2026.
According to HAECO's representative, the MRO sector in Viet Nam still holds significant growth potential, as there is currently no large-scale facility capable of serving international airlines. The Group aims to build a modern maintenance center in Van Don, applying advanced technology and HAECO’s long-standing operational expertise.
The project is expected to apply artificial intelligence in aircraft inspection and monitoring, non-destructive testing (NDT) technology, robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and advanced plating and painting technologies. HAECO also committed to transferring technology and training Vietnamese engineers and technicians, aiming to gradually master advanced aviation maintenance technologies.
During the working session, HAECO requested the Ministry of Science and Technology to guide regulations on high-tech project certification, support technology assessment and transfer, and designate a focal point for coordination during implementation.
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Hoang Minh holds a working session with HAECO Group Executive Vice President Tom Owen.
Deputy Minister Hoang Minh affirmed that the Ministry of Science and Technology will accompany HAECO from the investment preparation phase until the project comes into operation. The Ministry will designate a specialized focal point to advise and support the enterprise regarding high technology, technology transfer, radiation and nuclear safety, as well as emerging technology fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and issues arising during implementation.
Regarding issues within local jurisdiction, the Ministry will coordinate with the People's Committee of Quang Ninh Province and provide professional support when necessary, helping to create favorable conditions for the enterprise to implement the project.
HAECO’s representative highly appreciated the support of Ministry of Science and Technology and affirmed that the group will continue to work closely with Vietnamese agencies to accelerate the project's progress.
According to the plan, the aircraft maintenance center in Van Don will become operational in the third quarter of 2028 and expand further in subsequent phases, aiming to provide services for both domestic and international airlines, thereby contributing to turning Van Don into a new high-tech aircraft maintenance hub in Southeast Asia./.
