KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Airbus will be allocating about US$120 million (RM505 million) for three initiatives to further support the development of the local aerospace industry.
Airbus chief executive officer Guillaume Faury said the initiatives were to further expand its unit Sepang Aircraft Engineering, increase funding to the Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC) for research programmes and establish the Airbus Malaysia Digital Initiative.
“With these steps taken, more job opportunities will be created in the coming years and it could enhance the competitiveness of the local aerospace sector,” he said in his speech at the signing ceremony with AirAsia today.
He added that the commitments made showed that Malaysia was an important part for Airbus as it believed the demand for aviation would continue to grow.
“We are optimistic about our growth and I believe that Malaysia has a good business environment with its high-skilled workers and education level,” he said.
The agreement on Airbus’ commitments was signed by Faury and AirAsia Group Bhd executive chairman Datuk Kamarudin Maranun and the signing was witnessed by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Meanwhile, Kamarudin said the agreement marked a significant milestone for the future of aviation in the country.
“I would like to thank Airbus for its continued support of our airline and for the contribution it makes to our local economy through funding and developing the Malaysian aerospace industry,” he said.
Airbus is the largest international partner for the Malaysian aerospace industry with its sourcing and service businesses in the country now valued at about US$400 million per year for the local economy.
The company’s activities currently employ over 4,000 high-skilled locals in the country’s fast-growing aviation sector.
Airbus also signed an agreement with AirAsia today for the latter’s purchase of 12 additional Airbus A330neo aircraft and 30 A321XLR aircraft.
NNN– BERNAMA
