Revolutionary Aircraft Emergency Exit Doors: Crafting the Globally Acclaimed Airbus in Vietnam

These emergency exits are being manufactured in Hanoi by MHI Vietnam, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) of Japan.

The first locally-produced units will soon be delivered and shipped to Airbus’ assembly plants in Germany, where they will be installed on the A321neo aircraft. The over-wing exits are designed for emergency use only and feature an automatic deployment mechanism to facilitate rapid evacuation.

MHI Vietnam utilizes state-of-the-art 3D Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software in the manufacturing process, crafting the exits from corrosion-resistant steel, titanium, and aluminum. This software streamlines production by eliminating traditional 2D design conversions and optimizing the entire manufacturing process.

Following the contract signing between Airbus and MHI in 2023, Airbus dispatched experts from France and Germany to Vietnam to work closely with MHI and provide direct training to the local workforce.

By setting up production in Vietnam, Airbus not only enhances its manufacturing capabilities but also ensures flexibility in its global supply chain, reducing lead times and increasing production capacity for the world’s best-selling A320 family. Additionally, this strategic move contributes to Vietnam’s economic development by creating skilled jobs and enhancing the capabilities of the local workforce.

“This production project in Vietnam demonstrates Airbus’ commitment to collaborating with partners to develop the country’s aerospace industry,” said Ms. Hoang Tri Mai, CEO of Airbus Vietnam. “Vietnamese talent prioritizes quality and possesses the skills to meet our expectations, contributing to Airbus’ global supply chain. We are delighted that more and more parts and products made in Vietnam are being assembled on Airbus aircraft, accompanying airlines worldwide.”

Mr. Go Fujikawa, President of MHI’s Commercial Aviation Systems, stated, “MHI recognizes the significance of our Vietnam plant delivering A321 emergency exits to Airbus. This achievement marks the beginning of new aircraft body production in Vietnam, underscoring the country’s importance in the rapidly growing Asian aviation market. The project will contribute to the development and competitiveness of Vietnam’s economy by enhancing the technical capabilities of the local workforce.”

The A321neo is the largest version of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo family, offering extended range and superior performance. With its advanced engines and Sharklets, the A321neo reduces noise by 50%, fuel burn by over 20%, and CO₂ emissions compared to previous-generation single-aisle aircraft. The A321neo also provides passengers with unparalleled comfort, featuring the widest cabin in its class. To date, over 90 customers worldwide have ordered more than 6,400 A321neo aircraft.

The latest production project with MHI Vietnam continues Airbus’ industrial cooperation in the Vietnamese market, currently providing employment for approximately 1,500 local workers. Current Airbus suppliers in Vietnam include Artus and Nikkiso.