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Execujet’s facility in Subang reinforces Malaysia’s position as regional MRO player, says Transport Minister

The opening of Execujet’s internationally certified maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at the iconic Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, Selangor, reinforces Malaysia’s position as a regional MRO centre.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke added that the establishment of the facility also highlights the importance of Asia’s growing aviation market, adding that it aligned with the airport’s regeneration plan.

“This also marks the start of a local recruitment drive that will give Malaysians the opportunity to be internationally-certified as maintenance technicians and engineers in a vibrant, high-tech industry that is truly global and continues to grow,” said Loke, in his speech at the launch of the facility this morning.

“Asia Pacific is the world’s third-largest business aviation market – after North America and Europe – but it is also the fastest-growing. It is forecasted that Asia Pacific will account for 11 per cent of all new business jet deliveries over the next five years, driving demand for business aviation MRO.

“Having this new purpose-built MRO facility puts Malaysia in a position to capture a larger share of the business aviation MRO market.”

He added that the facility caters to aircraft from various manufacturers such as Dassault Aviation, Bombardier, and Gulfstream.

“It can also support the largest business jets, such as the Falcon 6X and Falcon 10X,” said Loke.

“This new MRO centre perfectly aligns with the Subang Airport Regeneration Plan. The fact that we are standing here today, shows that the Subang Airport Regeneration Plan is already starting to successfully take shape and ready to take off,” he added.

On Feb 9, 2023, Loke announced that Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) would have a free hand in deciding who it will work with in rejuvenating the city airport, located some 20km from the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

He said that any suggestion to carve out any airport was entirely up to MAHB. This was among the main terms stated in the new operating agreement (OA) between the ministry and MAHB that will run until 2069.

Talks of carving out Subang airport emerged in 2021. WCT Holdings Bhd, controlled by businessman Tan Sri Desmond Lim, had submitted a “concept paper” to the Transport Ministry, revealing plans to take over the airport from MAHB.

This led to MAHB handing over its detailed plans, themed ‘Creating Tomorrow, Here: The Preferred Hub for Aerospace and Business Aviation in Asia Pacific’ to then prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on June 11, 2021.

MAHB, in its 80-page Regeneration Plan, warned that plans to commercialise Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport – including developing the surrounding real estate – could scare off foreign investors.