A total of 62 companies from 12 countries took part in the Selangor Aviation Show last year to generate a potential transaction value of RM1.174bil. — Filepic
THE Selangor Aviation Show is back to connect aviation buffs and business professionals for the third consecutive time in Subang this coming September, said Selangor exco member for trade and industry Datuk Teng Chang Kim.
During a recent press conference, he said that such an event was inevitable for a state that houses up to 67% of the country’s overall aerospace ecosystem.
“We have history. For example, the maintenance, repair and overhaul of aviation engines can be traced back to the mid-1960s when Malaysia Singapore Airlines (which ceased in 1972 to become Malaysian Airline System and Singapore Airlines) was formed,” said Teng.
“Throughout the years, we have developed the advantage of expertise, talent, location and lower costs over other countries in the region,” he said.
Today, Selangor has three aerospace hubs: Serendah in Hulu Selangor, Subang in Petaling Jaya and Aeropolis, an upcoming airport city development in Sepang.
Teng said that in Subang, Dassault Aviation is building three hangars to carry out maintenance services as well as interior refurbishment for Dassault, Bombardier and Gulfstream aircraft at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport.
In the Aeropolis website, it was stated that Dassault had invested RM100mil in the 13,378sq m facility.
Teng flanked by Invest Selangor’s Datuk Hasan Azhari Idris (left) and Jamie Haniff Ramlee announcing the Selangor Aviation Show, which starts on Sept 7 in Subang. – KK SHAM/The Star
In Serendah, UMW Aerospace manufactures fan case assembly kits for the Rolls-Royce Trent engine assembly plant in Seletar, Singapore.
“We also have companies which design and produce different parts of aircraft.
“For example, 60% of the wings for the Airbus A320 family are produced in Selangor,” he said.
Under the state’s 10-year aerospace action plan, Selangor aims to become a key player at the global level by 2030.
Seven areas have been targeted: infrastructure, incentive, funding, education and training, regulations and market access.
Currently the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Association webpage shows they have 91 members registered in their directory. Their capability matrix ranges from engineering to tool design to surface treatments and component and line maintenance.
Teng hopes that the aviation show will bring these industry players together.
“There is an ocean of possibilities in the aviation sector, and it is the state’s long-term goal that we may one day be able to assemble and manufacture our own brand of aircraft,” he said.
The third edition of the SAS will be held at Skypark Regional Aviation Centre in Subang from 10am to 6pm from Sept 7 to 9, with the aim of attracting at least 12,000 visitors and gathering 50 exhibitors.
In last year’s event, 62 companies from 12 countries had taken part to generate a potential transaction value of RM1.174bil.
In addition to a static exhibition of the different types of aircraft from different companies, there was also a paper plane and colouring contest for children.
Organised by Invest Selangor, this year’s show plans to have industry forums, networking activities and an aviation industry career fair.
Industry players interested in participating in SAS 2023 can write to enquiry@selangoraviationshow.com before May 31 to enjoy a 5% earlybird discount. Returning exhibitors can also enjoy a 10% discount. Visitors are to register at selangoraviationshow.com
