FPT, Skywise & Vietnam Airlines eye AI for operations

FPT, Skywise and Vietnam Airlines have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore artificial intelligence services for airline operations, with a focus on fleet reliability, technical operations and disruption management.

The partners will examine how AI can combine aircraft data, maintenance planning, parts readiness and flight schedules to improve aircraft availability and support faster decisions when disruption affects services.

They also plan to set up a joint Aviation AI Lab bringing together specialists in engineering, maintenance, IT and data. An initial workshop at Vietnam Airlines is expected to identify up to four use cases for assessment and prioritisation.

The agreement brings together a major Vietnamese technology group, Airbus-owned aviation software business Skywise and the country's flag carrier in a project centred on maintenance and operational decision-making. It also extends FPT's existing work with both companies.

Operational focus

Airlines have increasingly turned to data analysis and automation to improve aircraft utilisation and manage irregular operations. These areas can quickly affect costs and passenger schedules when disruptions spread across a network.

The initial programme will focus on practical applications rather than a broad technology rollout. The aim is to test where AI tools can support day-to-day operational decisions in areas such as maintenance planning and recovery options.

Skywise, wholly owned by Airbus, provides digital services for airline operations. Vietnam Airlines is expected to contribute operational data and airline expertise, while FPT is set to provide systems integration and AI engineering.

"The value of Skywise grows through collaboration with airlines and strategic technology partners. Vietnam Airlines contributes valuable operational insights, while FPT brings the AI engineering capabilities needed to develop solutions at scale. We look forward to working together to identify, develop and integrate focused, high-value applications that can strengthen airline operations and create a better experience for passengers," said Marc Lemeilleur, Chief Executive Officer of Skywise.

For FPT, the deal adds to a long relationship with Airbus and Vietnam Airlines. It was among the early technology partners involved in supporting the launch of the Skywise ecosystem in Asia-Pacific in 2017, and later became Airbus' Global Strategic IT Partner.

Its relationship with Vietnam Airlines dates back to the 1990s, spanning core IT systems, telecommunications infrastructure and digital services for customers. FPT now has more than 450 aviation specialists and engineers working with more than 100 aviation organisations worldwide, including airlines, airports, cargo operators and manufacturers.

Vietnam link

The project also reflects Vietnam's efforts to build a larger role in aviation technology and digital services. FPT said the collaboration would connect international aviation expertise with Vietnam's technology workforce.

"AI is opening new possibilities for how aviation operates, innovates and grows. Through our collaboration with Airbus and Vietnam Airlines, FPT aims to bring our AI and engineering capabilities closer to real aviation challenges, combining global industry expertise with Vietnam's technology talent. We believe this partnership can create meaningful value for the industry while strengthening Vietnam's contribution to the global aviation ecosystem," said Chu Thi Thanh Ha, FPT Software Chairwoman at FPT Corporation.

Vietnam Airlines framed the initiative as part of a wider digital transformation effort. The airline operates a fleet of more than 100 aircraft and serves domestic and international routes across 23 countries and territories.

Disruption management has become a priority for carriers seeking to limit the knock-on effects of delays, maintenance issues and parts shortages. Better coordination between operations control, maintenance schedules and inventory can help airlines decide whether to substitute aircraft, delay flights or redeploy resources.

The planned workshop is intended to define business objectives, data requirements and success measures before any applications are selected for further development. That suggests the companies are aiming to narrow the project to specific operational problems rather than pursue a broad experimental programme.

"At Vietnam Airlines, we see digital transformation and AI as key drivers of our long-term development. By combining our operational expertise with Airbus' Skywise platform and FPT's AI capabilities, we aim to enhance fleet reliability, accelerate decision-making and improve operational efficiency. This collaboration marks an important step in our digital transformation journey and reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality services and strengthening our competitiveness as we strive to become a five-star airline by 2030," said Nguyen Chien Thang, Vietnam Airlines Executive Vice President.