SEPANG: EUROPEAN aircraft maker Airbus SE is targeting US$550 million (RM2.3 billion) in annual contribution to Malaysia’s economy within five years, from US$400 million currently.
This is expected to be supported by incentives under the country’s roadmap for the aerospace sector and availability of a vast talent pool and many institutions of higher learning.
“Malaysia is Airbus’ third largest market in Asia Pacific after China and India. It has big presence in the local aerospace industry, including in aircraft product line, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services and training. Now, we have the completion and delivery centre (CDC) for Airbus helicopters,” said Airbus Malaysia head Raymond Lim at the launch of the new regional helicopter CDC, here, yesterday.
The CDC will offer customer support as well as full-flight simulator training.
He said Airbus’ contribution target involved existing and future projects across all divisions.
“We will reveal our plans soon. Malaysia is an important market and we recognise the government’s support.”
Lim said Malaysia’s National Aerospace Blueprint 2013 had clear objectives in different areas of the aviation industry.
Airbus Malaysia employs 4,000 people either directly and indirectly, of which more than 90 per cent are Malaysians.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the government had identified aerospace as a strategic industry with vast potential.
“Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region for aerospace and aviation. There is potential for greater growth over the next two decades,” he said.