Aerospace & UAV
Aircraft programmes carry a backlog of more than 15,000 orders, and UAV demand is growing in both civil and defence markets. Tier 1 and Tier 2 buyers are looking for qualified second sources that can hold aerospace tolerances and paperwork.
What buyers are asking for
- AS9100 or EN 9100 certified build-to-print suppliers for secondary structures and interiors
- UAV airframe, wing and propeller makers that can scale from prototype to series
- NADCAP-approved special processes: NDT, bonding, heat treatment
- Composite repair and MRO capacity close to Asian fleets
- Material qualification support for prepreg and thermoplastic systems
Typical processes and materials
- Processes
- Prepreg layupAutomated fibre placementAutoclave cureOut-of-autoclave cureRTM / infusionCNC machining & trimmingNDT inspectionRepair & MRO
- Materials
- Carbon fibreGlass fibreAramidEpoxyThermoplastics (PEEK, PEKK, PA)Core materials
- Certifications buyers check
- AS9100EN 9100NADCAPISO 9001
Why Asia, and why Thailand
- Asia is the fastest-growing region for aircraft deliveries and MRO demand.
- Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor includes an aviation and MRO hub around U-Tapao.
- Established Thai and ASEAN suppliers already serve European and US aerospace programmes, so qualification paths exist.
- Labour-intensive layup and finishing stay cost-competitive without leaving the time zones of Asian customers.