Airbus, BHIC To Explore Joint Military Aircraft MRO Development In Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 (Bernama) -- Airbus and Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation (BHIC) will explore the joint development of military aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in Malaysia. Both parties have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to look into how to leverage their respective expertise to advance local MRO capabilities for military fixed wing aircraft platforms, in support of the operators’ fleet, the European aerospace firm said. “We are excited to now strengthen this strong alliance as we study the possibility of expanding our local industrial presence to cover both rotary wing and military fixed wing MRO solutions, bringing better convenience to our customers," Airbus Defence and Space head of Asia Pacific, Johan Pelissier, said in a statement Tuesday. He said Airbus had enjoyed successful partnership with BHIC on military helicopter MRO and pilot training. According to the aerospace giant, it has been a strategic partner to Malaysia for over 40 years, playing a major role in local aerospace ecosystem development through direct procurement and the country’s Industrial Collaboration Programmes. Pelissier said Airbus was also looking forward to contributing to Malaysia’s Capability Development 2055 transformation plan as it introduced a new military fixed wing platform for maritime patrol missions in the coming years. “Malaysia is Airbus’ largest supplier base in Southeast Asia and is a key market for us. Today’s MoU signature is a clear demonstration of Airbus’ full commitment to contribute to the country’s development of a self-sustaining aerospace value chain,” he said. Meanwhile, BHIC chief executive officer Sharifuddin Md Zaini Al-Manaf said the company had identified the aerospace sector as one of the key growth segments to steer the company forward. "BHIC is casting our net wider in this sector to enlarge our market base by capitalising on our existing facilities and MRO expertise,” he said. -- BERNAMA