Airbus SE has reinforced its industrial presence in Malaysia with the announcement of investments comprising three new initiatives worth over US$120 million. Chief executive officer Guillaume Faury said the investment would further develop Malaysia’s aerospace and aviation sector. Airbus’ new initiatives include the expansion of the company’s wholly-owned maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility – Sepang Aircraft Engineering (SAE); the establishment of the Airbus Malaysia Digital Initiative; and an increase in its participation in the Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC). “These initiatives will significantly enhance our presence in Malaysia, which is one of our most important markets in Asia,” he said at a press conference at the signing ceremony of the firm order between AirAsia Group and Airbus here, today.
He said Airbus’ initiatives would also strengthen its win-win partnerships with Malaysia, contributing to the development of the Malaysian aerospace sector and enabling the company to benefit from the competencies and skills available in the country. AirAsia Group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said the airline is proud to play a leading role in advancing Malaysia’s aerospace sector, in line with the country’s vision to open up more aerospace hubs to support the growing aviation industry. “This, in turn, would create more high-value job opportunities for Malaysians. We will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to achieve this objective,” he added. The expansion of SAE will also include the construction of a new hangar capable of accommodating four single aisles or two widebody aircraft for heavy checks, as well as the addition of new paint and component repair shops.
Airbus said the facilities will be ready to incorporate the latest smart technologies, including data analysis and planning, using the Airbus Skywise digital platform and automated inspection techniques. Under the Airbus Malaysia Digital Initiative, Airbus will work with local stakeholders to develop a master plan and select and perform dedicated projects to enhance the competitiveness of the Malaysian aerospace sector through the application of new digital technologies. It said the initiative will also contribute to the alignment of Malaysian industrial partners with new processes and systems introduced by Airbus across its manufacturing and supply chain. On the increase in participation in the AMIC, Airbus is set to appoint an Innovation Technical Director to support the non-profit organization and increase its funding for joint research programs. These will include research at the AMIC into the potential production of alternative and sustainable aviation biofuels in Malaysia.
Airbus is the largest international partner for the Malaysian aerospace industry, with its sourcing and services businesses in the country now valued at some US$400 million per year for the local economy. The company’s activities currently sustain employment for over 4,000 Malaysians in the country’s fast-growing aviation sector. Malaysian suppliers are involved in a wide range of Airbus programs, producing components and structures for the A320 Family, A330neo, A350 XWB, A380, and A400M. Meanwhile, SAE specializes in the MRO of A320 Family and ATR aircraft, with customers including the AirAsia Group, Malaysia Airlines, Scoot, Indigo, Jetstar Asia, VietJet and Bangkok Airways. Malaysia is also the regional hub for Airbus Helicopters, offering customer support, MRO and training services from its facility in Subang. The facility was recently expanded with the opening of a new state-of-the-art helicopter completion and delivery center for the region.
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