Zakir Hamid, Head of Asia-Pacific, Airbus Defence and Space (extreme left) presenting the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with a satellite model.
KUALA LUMPUR: Airbus has reaffirmed Malaysia’s importance as a key market for its commercial aircraft, defence and space businesses, underscoring its long-term commitment to supporting the country’s aerospace sector through sustained industrial collaboration.
In a statement, Zakir Hamid, head of Asia-Pacific at Airbus Defence and Space, said the group’s extensive industrial partnerships in Malaysia continue to deliver meaningful economic contributions and capability development for the country.
“While we have extensive collaborations with Malaysian industry on our commercial aircraft programmes, we have equally strong partnerships in the defence sector. These include the deepening of the local defence eco-system to accelerate technology and knowledge transfer, the expansion of industrial self-reliance and the strengthening of Malaysia’s strategic defence capabilities.
“What makes this partnership unique is the breadth of collaboration — spanning fleet modernisation, defence cooperation, local industrial participation and skills development,” Zakir said.
He added that Airbus remains committed to further growing its industrial footprint, particularly through the Industrial Collaboration Programme in the defence and space sectors.
Malaysia is Airbus’ largest supplier base in Southeast Asia, with the company procuring an estimated RM1.5bil worth of commodities annually and supporting approximately 5,000 direct and indirect jobs. Today, parts ‘Made in Malaysia’ are flying on nearly every Airbus aircraft in production.
More than 300 Airbus commercial aircraft are currently in service with Malaysian airlines, with close to 400 additional aircraft on order.
“AirAsia is a major operator of the A320 Family and A330, while Malaysia Airlines operates an all-Airbus widebody fleet, including the recently delivered A330neo and A350 Long Range Leader,” it said.
Airbus is also expanding its research and technology footprint in Malaysia through the Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC), an industrial research institute co-led by Airbus.
AMIC undertakes collaborative R&T projects with industry and universities, providing a clear pathway from research to market.
“We are proud of the mutually beneficial partnerships we have built in Malaysia and look forward to further expanding our presence while supporting the continued growth of Malaysia’s aerospace ecosystem,” said Zakir.
