THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2018, KUALA LUMPUR: In championing the growth of Malaysian aerospace industry globally, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is organising its signature programme Export Acceleration Mission (EAM) in conjunction with the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2018 in the United Kingdom, along with the support of the private sector from the aerospace industry.

Taking place from 16 – 20 July 2018, the initiative is an embodiment of the public-private synergy in accelerating the trade of Malaysian products and services in the aerospace industry.
The participation is the country’s third involvement in the FIA and among the collaborators involved are National Aerospace Industry Coordinating Office (NAICO), Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC), UMW Group and Invest Selangor Berhad. Seventeen aerospace companies in various pocket of the aerospace industry represent Malaysia in the mission.

The EAM aims to explore any collaboration opportunities for the Malaysian companies with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and Tier 1 & Tier 2 suppliers in the aerospace manufacturing, engineering services, precision parts, components as well as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services from around the globe.

According to Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros, local companies must capitalise on the strong demand for products and services in the aerospace industry so Malaysia’s rapport as a high-value exporting nation can be elevated. “Geographically, we are well positioned and currently, Malaysia is home to more than 230 aerospace companies. This reflects the dynamic growth of the industry and the local companies must collaborate with the global players so they can be part of the world’s supply chain. Once this materialises, there will also be a transfer of knowledge and skills for the industry too,” he said.

In Malaysia, the top performing sector within the aerospace industry is parts & components manufacturing. In 2017, Malaysia’s exports of aerospace parts and components recorded an increase of 53.4 per cent to register RM8.5 billion compared to figure in 2016. The top export destinations last year were Indonesia, Singapore, China, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Held biennially, the FIA is one of the world largest aerospace trade exhibitions and is attended by big names like Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer. The event also attracts 98 military delegations from 66 countries and 29 civil delegations from 22 countries. “The FIA is one of the best platforms for Malaysian aerospace industry players to network, forge partnerships and do business. It provides a springboard for
Malaysian companies to access the world markets,” Mohd Shahreen said.