![](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/Thais%20Main%20MRO%20Base.jpg?itok=EFE6jt6G)
Thai's Main MRO Base
Credit: James Pozzi/Aviation Week
![](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/Full%20Widebody%20Services.jpg?itok=QlxN0M8c)
Full Widebody Services
Credit: James Pozzi/Aviation Week
Serving predominantly as a hub for base maintenance, Thai Airways carries out a full range of services on widebody aircraft including the Boeing 737, 747, 777, Airbus A330, A340 and A380. For widebodies, it operates adopts a two-bay system.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/Thai%20Airways%20Main.jpg?itok=5diLdkxK)
Airbus-Thai Airways JV Stalls
Credit: James Pozzi/Aviation Week
The joint venture between Airbus and Thai Airways to build a new MRO complex at U-Tapao Airport was in doubt after Airbus withdrew from the project with the COVID-19 crisis cited as one of the factors. Doubts first emerged after the airframe OEM failed to submit its proposal for the 50-50 partnership.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/Thais%20A380%20Fleet.jpg?itok=zAP8256g)
Thai's A380 Fleet
More A380s are likely to follow with Thai Airways operating six of the superjumbo aircraft in total.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/Narrowbodies%20Also%20Serviced%20At%20U-Tapao.jpg?itok=cjy7xx8U)
Narrowbodies Also Serviced At U-Tapao
Credit: James Pozzi/Aviation Week
![](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/Additional%20Capabilities%20and%20Facilities.jpg?itok=9a9PUf6T)
Additional Capabilities and Facilities
Credit: James Pozzi/Aviation Week
At U-Tapao, Thai also runs a workshop area which includes sheet metal, mechanical and passenger seat repair shops.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/Manpower%20at%20U-Tapao.jpg?itok=j7t4MWvt)
Manpower at U-Tapao
Credit: James Pozzi/Aviation Week
In its current setup, Thai employs 361 staff at its U-Tapao facility, covering roles from licensed aircraft engineers, non-destructive testing engineers, technical inspectors and management.
![Coronavirus Delays Airbus-Thai Airways U-Tapao JV Bid](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/Thai%20Airbus%20U-Tapao.jpg?itok=B05bccIg)
Coronavirus Delays Airbus-Thai Airways U-Tapao JV Bid
Credit: Airbus
The proposed bidding for the Airbus-Thai Airways U-Tapao MRO joint venture has been postponed until April after the airframe OEM failed to submit its proposal, which local media attributed to the novel coronavirus pandemic.