KUALA LUMPUR: The value of Airbus’ sourcing activities in Malaysia is expected to reach US$550 million (RM2.24 billion) annually by 2023, higher from the US$400 million (RM1.62 billion) in 2018.
Airbus Asia-Pacific president Jean-Marc Nasr said this growth would be on the back of higher passenger traffic growth in the region, which also translates into higher demand for air traffic production and maintenance, repair and overhaul services.
“Passenger traffic growth over the next 20 years is projected to grow 5.5 percent annually in the Asia Pacific, which is faster compared with 4.4 percent for the rest of the world,” he told a media briefing on Airbus’ performance in the region.
Nasr said Malaysia is a unique market for the Airbus, considering it’s the largest supplier base in Southeast Asia and fifth largest composite components supplier worldwide.
Among Airbus’ local suppliers are Composites Technology Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd, SME Aerospace Sdn Bhd, Spirit Aerosystems Malaysia Sdn Bhd and SDMK Sdn Bhd.
“There are locally-made parts in all our commercial aircraft and Airbus is the biggest partner for Malaysia’s aerospace industry.
“We are 100 percent committed to growing our presence in Malaysia and firmly believe the country’s aerospace industry has the potential to become one of the largest in the region,” he added.
Nasr said Malaysia is also Airbus’ third largest market in the Asia Pacific region after China and India, with the country’s airlines having ordered 727 commercial airliners from the company.
AirAsia has ordered 592 aircraft, and AirAsia X 96, while Malaysia Airlines has 39.Of these, 219 units has been delivered to AirAsia, 20 to AirAsia X and all 39 aircraft orders for Malaysia Airlines completed.
Airbus would be the largest international exhibitor at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aviation Exhibition from March 26-30, covering its entire range of commercial aircraft, defence, space and helicopter products and services. –Bernama
