FPT, Vietnam Airlines & Skywise explore AI for ops

FPT, Vietnam Airlines and Skywise have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore AI-powered services for airline operations, initially focusing on fleet reliability, technical operations and disruption management.

The partners will examine practical AI use cases by combining Vietnam Airlines' operational data and expertise, insights from the Skywise platform, and FPT's aviation technology, systems integration and AI engineering capabilities.

They also plan to set up a joint Aviation AI Lab bringing together specialists in engineering, maintenance, IT and data. A workshop at Vietnam Airlines' premises is expected to define business objectives, data requirements and success measures, with up to four potential use cases identified for assessment and prioritisation.

The areas under review include aircraft availability, maintenance planning, parts readiness and flight schedules. The work could support faster operational decisions during disruption and help airlines assess recovery options with less impact on flights and passengers.

Existing ties

The agreement builds on FPT's existing relationships with both partners. It has supported the launch of the Skywise ecosystem in Asia-Pacific since 2017 and became Airbus' global strategic IT partner in 2025.

Its work with Vietnam Airlines dates back to the 1990s and has covered core IT systems, telecommunications infrastructure and digital services used by customers.

Skywise is Airbus' digital services business, providing tools used in planning, flight, technical and ground operations. Vietnam Airlines is the country's flag carrier, operating a fleet of more than 100 aircraft on domestic and international routes.

Marc Lemeilleur, Chief Executive Officer of Skywise, outlined the rationale for the project in a statement on the agreement. "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," he said.

For FPT, the project adds to its aviation business, where it works with more than 100 organisations, including airlines, airports, cargo operators and aircraft manufacturers, in Europe, the United States and Asia-Pacific. It has more than 450 industry experts and engineers working in the sector.

Chu Thi Thanh Ha, Chairwoman of FPT Software at FPT, said the partnership was intended to connect the company's technical work more closely with operational needs in aviation. "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," Ha said.

Airline focus

Vietnam Airlines framed the work as part of a broader digital transformation effort. The airline said AI and digital systems are central to its long-term development plans, particularly in operational decision-making and fleet management.

Nguyen Chien Thang, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines, said the carrier sees the agreement as part of that process. "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," Thang said.

FPT reported revenue of USD $2.66 billion for the 2025 financial year and said it employs more than 37,000 engineers. Skywise, which is wholly owned by Airbus, employs around 750 people globally.