Airbus and Thai Airways International have signed an agreement to develop a long-term strategic partnership on maintenance training.

Under the deal, Thai would become Airbus's local maintenance training centre in Thailand and will initially provide maintenance type-training capabilities for the Airbus A320 and A330.

The agreement includes the integration of Thai's instructors into Airbus's global maintenance training organisation, the enabling of EASA 147 approval in Thailand for type and basic maintenance training, and provision of Airbus type rating for "B1" and "B2" (mechanical and avionics) certifying staff.

The collaboration will also include the provision of Airbus Training Media, courseware and course curriculum for trainees, as well as examinations for candidates, in line with Airbus standards.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news