Vietnam's VAECO becomes first domestic organization to meet the EASA Part 147 maintenance training standard

Vietnam Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co., Ltd. (VAECO), a subsidiary of Vietnam Airlines, has been approved by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as an S-EASA Part 147 maintenance training organization. The approval is the first of its kind in Vietnam and is viewed as a significant step toward international standards in aviation maintenance training.

EASA Part 147 and what the approval enables

EASA Part 147 is the international standard for aircraft maintenance training. It allows approved organizations to train engineers to European standards and issue maintenance qualification certificates for a wide range of internationally operated aircraft, particularly those registered in Europe.

VAECO’s certification: capacity, cost and workforce needs

VAECO said the certification demonstrates that domestic aviation maintenance training capacity is moving closer to international norms. The company also noted that the approval can significantly reduce training costs compared with sending students abroad.

VAECO linked the development to Vietnam’s increasingly modern aircraft fleet, which is driving higher demand for high-quality maintenance personnel.

First in Vietnam, and among a limited group in Southeast Asia

With the EASA Part 147 certification, VAECO becomes the first unit in Vietnam to meet the standard. The company is also among a small group of Southeast Asian firms that hold both EASA Part 145 and Part 147, covering repair, maintenance, and training capabilities for aircraft.

Preparation and alignment with Vietnam’s aviation regulator

VAECO said the approval followed preparations that began in 2024, under stringent requirements covering standards, resources, and organizational readiness. In cooperation with the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, VAECO built an EASA-standard training system, including instructor development, program standardization, and completion of training documentation systems.

Statements from VAECO leadership

Mr. Tran Quoc Hoai, General Director of VAECO, said obtaining EASA Part 147 certification is a milestone for standardizing aviation maintenance training to international standards. He added that it also helps the company proactively develop an engineering team and strengthen technical capacity and safe airline operations.

Training cooperation agreements

At the event, VAECO signed training cooperation agreements with Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport and Communications, Phu Quoc Sun Airlines Co., Ltd., and the Vietnam Aviation Science and Technology Association. The agreements aim to develop aviation maintenance training programs aligned with practical needs and to enhance resource and knowledge sharing under EASA standards.

Broader role in aviation maintenance services

VAECO is described as one of Vietnam’s leading aircraft repair and maintenance providers, approved by multiple aviation authorities, including the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and EASA. The company serves the Vietnam Airlines fleet and provides technical services to international airlines.

In addition, the article notes that Lufthansa has sent an Airbus A350 to be maintained at VAECO, reflecting the company’s technical capabilities in regional aviation maintenance services.