Airbus A321neo wing emergency exits manufactured in Hanoi

DNVN - Vietnam's aviation supply chain has just made a big step forward with a project to produce emergency exit doors on the wings of the A321neo - the world's best-selling narrow-body aircraft. These emergency exit doors are being produced in Hanoi by MHI Vietnam, a subsidiary of Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).

The first products manufactured in Vietnam will soon be delivered and shipped to Airbus factories in Germany for assembly onto the aircraft fuselage. The wing-mounted emergency exits installed on the A321neo aircraft are for emergency use only and are equipped with an automatic opening function in cases where rapid evacuation is required.

MHI Vietnam factory uses the latest 3D Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software to produce aircraft emergency exit doors, made from corrosion-resistant steel, titanium and aluminum. This software helps streamline the manufacturing process by eliminating traditional 2D design changes, optimizing the entire manufacturing process.

After the contract between Airbus and MHI was signed in 2023, Airbus sent experts from France and Germany to Vietnam to work closely with MHI, and at the same time directly guide and train Vietnamese human resources.

Ms. Hoang Tri Mai, General Director of Airbus Vietnam, along with leaders and experts from Airbus and MHI Vietnam at the product handover ceremony at the MHI Vietnam factory.

By bringing production to Vietnam, Airbus not only enhances its manufacturing capacity but also ensures flexibility in the global supply chain, helping to reduce lead times and increase production capacity of the world’s best-selling A320 aircraft. In addition, this strategic move by Airbus also contributes to the development of Vietnam’s economy through the creation of highly skilled jobs and skills development for workers.

Ms. Hoang Tri Mai, General Director of Airbus Vietnam, said: “The implementation of this production project in Vietnam demonstrates Airbus’ commitment to working with partners to develop the domestic aviation industry. Vietnamese human resources focus on quality and have enough skills to meet our expectations, as well as contribute to Airbus’ global supply chain. We are very pleased that more and more spare parts and products manufactured in Vietnam are being assembled on Airbus aircraft, accompanying airlines flying around the world.”

“MHI highly values ​​the significance of the delivery of A321 emergency exit doors to Airbus by the MHI Vietnam factory,” said Mr. Go Fujikawa, General Manager of MHI Commercial Aviation Systems. “This success marks the beginning of new airframe production in Vietnam, affirming Vietnam’s important position in the rapidly growing aviation market in Asia. This project will contribute to the development and regional competitiveness of Vietnam’s economy by enhancing the technical capacity of the Vietnamese workforce.”

The A321neo is the largest version of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo family, offering exceptional range and performance. Thanks to the combination of new-generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo is 50% quieter, 20% more fuel efficient and emits less CO₂ than previous generation narrowbody aircraft. The A321neo also offers passenger comfort with the widest cabin in its class in the single-aisle segment. To date, more than 90 customers worldwide have ordered more than 6,400 A321neos.

The latest production project with MHI Vietnam continues Airbus’ industrial collaborations in the Vietnamese market, currently creating jobs for around 1,500 local workers. Current Airbus suppliers include Artus and Nikkiso Vietnam.

Phan Minh

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/kinh-te/cua-thoat-hiem-tren-canh-may-bay-airbus-a321neo-duoc-san-xuat-tai-ha-noi/20240829105313926