SEPANG, 19 July 2018 - AirAsia and Airbus have begun talks to explore cooperation to develop an industrial aeronautical centre in Malaysia.

The project will commence with a proposed feasibility study to be carried out over a period of 18 months, including a detailed technical, marketing and finance analysis.

Options under consideration include the establishment of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, training centre, data centre, possible industrial cooperation and Airbus supplier implantation.

The study will comprise three sections:

1. Site survey, identification of the existing industrial assets, of the potential enablers and of the industrial opportunities

2. Market analysis, preliminary business case, industrial feasibility

3. Shortlist of industrial opportunities, definition of next steps, including the necessary investment, training, timeline, up to the launch of the project

AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said, “We have always been big believers in the potential of Malaysia to be a major aeronautical centre. Aviation has an incredible multiplier effect, creating high-paying jobs and high-value industries as well as new investment opportunities. With Airbus contributing their technical expertise to this project, I have no doubt we will be able to bring significant benefits to the people and the economy of Malaysia, and establish the country as the region’s premier aviation hub.”