Taking flight: Fanfare marking the launch of Dviation Group’s hangar and maintenance facility in Subang Airport. — KAMARUL ARIFFIN/TheStar
SHAH ALAM: The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry will engage more aviation companies to pursue strategic partnerships that enhance Malaysia’s aerospace capabilities, says its deputy secretary-general (industry) Datuk Hanafi Sakri.
Officiating the launch of a new aircraft maintenance facility by Dviation Group and Japan’s Marubeni Corporation, Hanafi hailed the collaboration as a key milestone in Malaysia’s push to become a global aerospace powerhouse.
“This partnership reflects the importance of cross-border collaboration in transferring technological expertise and adopting global best practices,” he said.
“It strengthens our aerospace supply chain and attracts high-value investments. Today, we’re not just opening a new facility, we are laying the foundation for Malaysia’s aviation future.”
Hanafi also addressed concerns about rising US tariffs, saying the ministry is in talks with US authorities to seek exemptions for the aerospace sector.
“Of course we want exemptions in all areas, but we need to look at the critical areas where it is required. We feel that US companies could also be affected by the tariff hikes. It is a critical sector and it is our strategy that it remains competitive,” Hanafi added.
Dviation Group managing director Kevin Teoh said rigorous aircraft maintenance plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and is a cost-effective strategy in decarbonisation efforts.
Speaking after the launch of Dviation Group’s hangar and Karbon Engine Services under its KarbonMRO (KMRO) aircraft maintenance company, he said timely maintenance ensures aircraft engines run efficiently.
“While long-term solutions like sustainable aviation fuel are being developed, technologies and services supporting optimal aircraft performance already exist and should be leveraged,” he noted.
He also sees huge potential for Malaysia to emerge as an aircraft maintenance hub, citing the availability of manpower, resources, and a robust ecosystem of foreign and local industry players.
KMRO, a joint venture between Dviation Group and Marubeni, currently operates at 10% capacity but aims to service up to 30 aircraft by the end of the year, said Teoh.
Also present at the event was Marubeni Corporation’s chief operating officer of aerospace and mobility division, Toru Okazaki.
