Airbus Helicopters in Thailand and the Thai Army Transportation Engineering School (ATE) (Kong Thabbok Upatham Changkol Kho So Tho Bo School) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an academic cooperation aimed at providing internship opportunities in the field of aircraft mechanics.
The MoU was signed on 11 June, by Alexandre Sanchez, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Thailand, and Colonel Wanchai Prasanseang, Manager of ATE, at a ceremony held at the school in Nonthaburi.
Under the agreement, Airbus Helicopters in Thailand will offer selected students short-term internships that combine theoretical and practical training, thereby enhancing their learning experience, and preparing them for careers as aircraft mechanics. This initiative aligns with the government’s education policies and aims to build a talent pipeline for the European aircraft manufacturer.
The internship programme will also focus on developing students’ English language skills through online and onsite activities and will facilitate the exchange of knowledge to foster continuous improvement and innovation, while increasing expertise in curriculum management.
Additionally, ATE teachers will participate in the curriculum development of the programme and will have opportunities for professional development.
Airbus Helicopters has been a crucial part of Thailand’s aviation landscape since the 1980s, beginning with the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation’s first order of the AS350 for utility and aerial surveillance purposes. Over the decades, helicopters manufactured by Airbus have become integral to various military and parapublic operations in Thailand with more than 70 helicopters in service in the country. In addition, Airbus helicopters’ footprint in Thailand includes a regional helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility located in Bangkok to serve its regional customers.
In military applications, the Royal Thai Army operates a fleet of H125M helicopters for Armed Reconnaissance and H145/Lakota helicopters for Light Utility Operations. The Royal Thai Air Force operates a fleet of H225M helicopters for CSAR Combat Search and Rescue missions and H135 light-twin helicopters for Advanced Pilot Training. Additionally, the Royal Thai Navy utilises the H145M military version for Transport and Maritime Support Missions, while the Royal Thai Armed Forces operate multi-mission H155 helicopters.”
“This partnership with the Thai Army Transportation Engineering School underscores our dedication to providing hands-on, practical training that equips students with the essential skills needed for successful careers in aircraft mechanics. We are excited to support the development of these talented individuals and contribute to the growth of the aviation industry in Thailand,” said Alexandre Sanchez.
Alexandre Sanchez, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Thailand (centre-right), with Director of School Colonel Chaiyasit Piyamatya on behalf of Colonel Wanchai Prasanseang, Manager of ATE (centre-left), with the signed MoU documents during the ceremony held at the school