Malaysia Secures RM791.54 Million in Export Sales at Farnborough International Airshow 2026

Advancing High-Value Aerospace Exports and Global Industry Partnerships

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 AUGUST 2026 (THURSDAY) – Malaysia's participation at the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 has generated RM791.54 million (USD192.36 million) in export sales following five days of intensive business engagements in the United Kingdom from 20 to 24 July 2026. Coordinated by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) in collaboration with the National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia (NAICO), the Malaysia Pavilion facilitated 148 business meetings between Malaysian companies and international aerospace stakeholders, reaffirming Malaysia's growing competitiveness as a trusted aerospace manufacturing and supply chain partner.

Officiated by H.E. Dato' Indera Dr. Azfar Mohamad Mustafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to the United Kingdom, the Malaysia Pavilion brought together 15 Malaysian exhibitors, alongside Invest Selangor Berhad and the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Association (MAIA), showcasing Malaysia's strengths across aerostructures manufacturing, precision machining, aerospace finishing, electronic design and hardware, aerospace manufacturing solutions, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), aviation services and international aerospace events. Business opportunities secured during the exhibition reflected strong global demand across these high-value segments, further strengthening Malaysia's integration into the global aerospace value chain.

According to Dato' Indera Abu Bakar Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, the strong commercial outcomes reaffirm Malaysia's growing competitiveness as a trusted aerospace manufacturing and supply chain partner, while reflecting the country's continued progress towards achieving the aspirations set under the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Blueprint (MAIB) 2030. "Malaysia's aerospace industry generated RM32.5 billion in revenue in 2025, with exports contributing RM7.95 billion or 24.5 percent of the industry's total revenue. As we work towards achieving the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Blueprint (MAIB) 2030 target of RM55.2 billion in industry revenue, expanding high-value exports will remain a key growth driver alongside domestic aerospace manufacturing, MRO, systems integration and engineering services. FIA 2026 has reinforced global confidence in Malaysian aerospace capabilities, creating valuable opportunities for our companies to secure higher-value programmes, deepen partnerships with global OEMs and strengthen their position within international supply chains. MATRADE will continue to enhance market access opportunities that enable more Malaysian companies, particularly SMEs, to expand internationally and contribute to Malaysia's long-term aerospace growth" he said.

FIA 2026 highlighted continued momentum across the global aerospace industry, driven by strong commercial aircraft and engine commitments, accelerated production ramp-ups, next-generation propulsion technologies, sustainable aviation solutions and autonomous defence systems. These developments present significant opportunities for Malaysian aerospace companies to expand their participation in advanced composites, precision machining, aerospace electronics, engine maintenance and repair, manufacturing technologies and other high-value aerospace supply chain activities.

Malaysia's growing industrial capabilities also received international recognition during the exhibition. CTRM Aero Composites Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of CTRM Holdings Sdn. Bhd., was honoured with the 2026 Asia Best Maturity Award at the Aero Excellence International Best Maturity Awards, following its successful achievement of the Bronze Maturity Level under the internationally recognised Aero Excellence Industrial Assessment Programme. The award reinforces Malaysia's reputation for manufacturing excellence, operational capability and supply chain resilience, further enhancing confidence in Malaysian aerospace companies among global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

According to Ir. Ts. Dr. Shamsul Kamar Abu Samah, Chief Executive Officer of NAICO Malaysia, "The strong outcomes achieved at FIA 2026 demonstrate the expanding depth, technical readiness and maturity of Malaysia’s aerospace ecosystem. As global OEMs accelerate production ramp-ups and seek resilient supply chain partners, NAICO Malaysia remains committed to enhancing the capability and technological adoption of local suppliers. Achievements such as CTRM Aero Composites’ recognition at the Aero Excellence International Awards underscore our industry's adherence to global quality standards. Moving forward, NAICO Malaysia will continue working closely with MATRADE and MITI to nurture local talent, drive innovation and cement Malaysia’s position as Southeast Asia's leading aerospace hub under the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030 (MAIB2030)".

Beyond the exhibition floor, MATRADE's Virtual Malaysia Pavilion on the MADANI Digital Trade Platform (MDTP) continue to generate strong international interest throughout FIA 2026. Participating Malaysian companies collectively recorded hundreds of company profile visits and buyer engagements on the platform, demonstrating its effectiveness in extending business visibility beyond the physical exhibition. By providing international buyers with year-round access to Malaysian aerospace capabilities, products and contact points, the platform serves as a strategic digital gateway that supports continuous business engagement and facilitates new export opportunities well after the exhibition concludes.

Building on the strong momentum generated at FIA 2026, MATRADE will continue working closely with industry stakeholders to promote Malaysian aerospace companies in strategic international markets, facilitate high-value business collaborations and strengthen Malaysia's position as Southeast Asia's leading aerospace manufacturing, engineering and services hub.