Malaysian Aerospace Industry Prepares for Take-Off at Farnborough International Airshow 2022

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 July 2022 (Tuesday): Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is taking the lead in organising an aerospace mission and Malaysia's participation at Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2022 from 18-22 July 2022, to speed up the recovery of Malaysia's aerospace industry following the slowdown in aerospace exports in recent years. YBhg. Tan Sri Dr. Halim Mohammad, Chairman of MATRADE, will lead this mission.

The FIA is a biennial trade show for the aerospace and defence industries that is attended by aerospace giants such as Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, and Bombardier. The goal in attending FIA is to demonstrate our current aerospace eco-system, while fostering industrial ties with OEMs and Tier 1 & Tier 2 suppliers from across the world. The participation in FIA 2022 is significant because it will serve as a platform for bringing Malaysia's aerospace industry to pre-pandemic levels and beyond, generating growth for a strong revival.

According to YBhg Tan Sri Dr. Halim Mohammad, Chairman of MATRADE, “Malaysian aerospace industry sees an encouraging prospect for their business and operation this year as Covid-19 pandemic is entering the endemic stage. The aerospace industry is a strategic industry and it augurs well with Government’s 12th Malaysia Plan to focus on high value sector. MATRADE is always committed to generate more opportunities for Malaysian aerospace companies to capitalise on the demand of global aerospace market.”

A total of 14 Malaysian companies and three (3) government agencies will take part in the five-day event organised by MATRADE under the Malaysia Pavilion. The National Aerospace Industry Coordination Office (NAICO), Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (TERAJU), and Invest Selangor Berhad will collaborate with MATRADE to organise Malaysia's participation in this event, aiming of promoting Malaysia as Southeast Asian aerospace industry hub and exploring opportunities for technology development, as well as partnerships with foreign companies to enhance Malaysian companies' capabilities. Interaction with various government agencies, tier-1 corporations such as Boeing and Airbus, consultancies, and trade associations will also be arranged during the exhibition to promote exports of aerospace products and services. This will also promote Malaysia as a significant provider of products and services of the industry, as well as integrate Malaysian firms into the global aerospace supply chain.

“The industry has created jobs for more than 27,500 highly skilled workers. Malaysia’s expertise and strength in the aerospace industry revolve around MRO services, and manufacturing of aero-structures as well as engine components” added Halim.

MATRADE has been participating in the FIA bi-annual exhibition since 2014. Overwhelming responses were received from industry players in the previous years, and they have also indicated strong desire to participate in this exhibition on a regular basis in order to keep abreast with the emerging trends and regulations and to foster relations with global partners. Malaysia’s exports of aerospace parts and components totaled RM5.79 billion in 2021. Major export markets were France, China and the United Kingdom.