KUCHING: Sarawak is exploring strategic collaborations with Airbus to develop the state's aerospace industry, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said both parties would explore six key areas of cooperation to establish Sarawak as a new aerospace hub in the Asia Pacific.
This includes setting up a Sarawak-Airbus joint team to draft a roadmap for the development of Sarawak's aerospace industry, involving expertise from both parties.
"This is expected to be a catalyst for the development of the aviation industry, opening up new opportunities for the advancement of this sector," he said after visiting the Airbus Campus in Toulouse, France on Monday (May 5).
Abang Johari also said the state government plans to develop a 40ha aerotropolis site as an integrated hub to support the aviation ecosystem.
Another potential area of collaboration is the development of training programmes and a syllabus related to aerospace between Airbus and local institutions like i-CATS University College.
"This initiative will open up opportunities for Sarawak students to undergo international-class industrial training," he said.
Additionally, Abang Johari said Sarawak is looking into digitalising travel and aviation services with the concept of a "digital journey."
"This will integrate travel arrangements from booking flight tickets and using the autonomous rapid transit (ART) public transport system to accommodation in a seamless digital package," he said.
Earlier, Abang Johari led a delegation to visit the headquarters of ATR, a leading turboprop aircraft manufacturer.
They then attended a professional networking session hosted by Airbus international president Wouter van Wersch before touring the Airbus airspace customer showroom.
Abang Johari was accompanied by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, state Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, and senior government officials.
