22/05/2025

BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | MAY 22, 2025

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Ground Team Red launches private jet handling service LANGKAWI: Ground Team Red Sdn Bhd (GTR), a ground services handler in Malaysia, has launched its private jet handling service at the ongoing Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima 2025). The premium service marks GTR’s strategic expansion into the VIP and business aviation segment, enhancing its comprehensive portfolio of aviation ground handling services. GTR signed a memorandum of understanding with two strategic partners – Weststar Aviation Services and Sapura Aero Handlers. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Transport Minister Hasbi Habibollah. The agreements designate GTR as the official ground handler for non-scheduled flights, with a focus on private jets and military aircraft. GTR CEO Musdalifa Abdullah highlighted the launch as a significant step in GTR’s growth trajectory. “This MoU marks an important milestone as we expand into the non-scheduled flight segment, supporting the unique demands of private and military aviation. We are honoured to be the ground handling partner of choice for Weststar, SkyPark and Sapura Aero and look forward to elevating the standard of handling in Malaysia,” he said. GTR’s new private jet handling service will leverage the company’s extensive operational expertise and nationwide presence to deliver premium ground handling services tailored to the exacting requirements of private and military aviation. The service will initially be available at key airports across Malaysia, with plans for expansion in line with market demand. GTR said the launch during Lima 2025 underscores the strategic importance of this service expansion. As the nation continues to develop its aviation infrastructure and capabilities, GTR’s entry into specialised handling services aligns with national objectives to enhance Malaysia’s position as a regional aviation hub. Sarawak poised to finalise MASwings acquisition by Dec 31 KUCHING: Sarawak is on track to finalise the full acquisition of MASwings Sdn Bhd by Dec 31 this year, marking a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen regional air connectivity through its airline, AirBorneo. Sarawak Deputy Minister for Transport, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said that following the signing of the sale and purchase agreement between AirBorneo Holdings Sdn Bhd and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) last February, both parties are working to fulfil the necessary conditions before the transaction can be completed. “This includes securing regulatory approvals from key aviation authorities such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, the Malaysian Aviation Commission, the Inter national Civil Aviation Organisation and the International Air Transport Association. “The process also involves the transfer of operating assets from MAG to AirBorneo and preparations for a seamless transition of operations,” he said in a question-and-answer session at the State Assembly sitting yesterday. Dr Jerip was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh (GPS-Bawang Assan) whether the acquisition process of buying over MASwings has been completed and would the change in ownership disrupt the operation of the Rural Air Services (RAS). The deputy minister said, despite the change in ownership, the RAS network which serves remote and underserved areas in Sarawak and Sabah, is expected to maintain its current schedule, frequency and coverage. – Bernama

Exim Bank enters into strategic aerospace alliances with Naico, PWN Excellence

KUALA LUMPUR: Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Bhd (Exim Bank) has forged strategic partnerships with the National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia (Naico) and PWN Excellence Sdn Bhd (PWNE). The alliance aims to boost innovation, financing accessibility and global competi tiveness in Malaysia’s aerospace sector. The partnerships were formalised with the inking of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Naico and an Islamic term financing facility agreement worth RM30.23 million with PWNE at Lima 2025, witnessed by Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong. In a statement, Exim Bank said the MoU with Naico provides a collaborative framework to strengthen the aerospace sector, a key industry under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030.

financing and support needed to build world class capabilities, expand training infra structure, and position Malaysia as a regional hub for aerospace excellence,” she said. According to Exim Bank, Malaysia’s aerospace industry is experiencing rapid growth, backed by RM1.5 billion in approved investments in 2024, with a strong inflow of foreign direct investments. “As the global aerospace market heads towards US$3 trillion (RM12.8 trillion) by 2035, Malaysia is emerging as a high-value aerospace hub, attracting top players like Boeing, Airbus, Safran, and Rolls-Royce into its thriving aerospace supply chain. “As such, Malaysia is poised to support the comprehensive supply chain ecosystem, from aero-manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul and engineering, to research and development,” it said. – Bernama

Under the agreement, Exim Bank will offer tailored financial solutions, including trade and project financing, export credit takaful and collaboration with equity financing partners to address financing gaps and empower aerospace businesses. “The Islamic term financing facility agreement with PWNE will support the acquisition of a full flight simulator, expanding Malaysia’s aviation training capacity. This facility brings EXIM Bank’s total financing for PWNE to over RM107 million,” it added. Exim Bank president and CEO Nurbayu Kasim Chang said Malaysia’s aerospace sector holds immense potential to drive innovation, create high-income jobs and boost global competitiveness. “Through our partnerships with Naico and PWNE, Exim Bank is delivering the strategic

Royal Malaysian Air Force A400M participating in the aerial display at Lima 2025.

Airbus highlights deepening partnerships with Malaysia

LANGKAWI: Airbus Defence and Space has reinforced its long-standing commitment to Malaysia at Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima 2025), highlighting deepening defence cooperation and its role as Malaysia’s top international aerospace partner. Malaysia remains Airbus’ third-largest market in Asia-Pacific, after China and India. For Airbus Defence and Space, a cornerstone of this partnership is the A400M programme, where Malaysia has played a pioneering role as the first export customer in the world. Airbus Defence and Space Asia-Pacific head Zakir Hamid said: “This year marks 10 years of A400M operations with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), a milestone that reflects the aircraft’s reliability and versatility. With over 13,000 flight hours, the RMAF is currently the most active A400M operator globally.” Malaysia’s fleet of four A400Ms has supported missions ranging from military deployments and peacekeeping to humanitarian relief during events such as the 2018 Palu earthquake and the Covid-19 pandemic. The aircraft can carry up to 37 tonnes over 2,400 nautical miles, operate from unpaved runways, perform aerial refuelling, and is undergoing capability upgrades to

o Plane maker exploring options to expand RMAF’s A400M fleet, keen to offer A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport and C295 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft

operational readiness. In parallel, Airbus is keen to offer the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) as a solution to enhance the RMAFs operational efficiency. Already in service in the Asia-Pacific region in Australia, Singapore and South Korea, the A330 MRTT combines strategic airlift capability with advanced aerial refuelling, significantly extending the range of fighter aircraft and strengthening national defence readiness. Airbus is also exploring the introduction of the C295 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) to enhance Malaysia’s border protection. In service across Southeast Asia, the C295 MSA offers advanced mission systems, search and rescue capabilities and long-endurance patrols. Zakir said: “As regional partners assess future airlift, refuelling, and surveillance capabilities, Airbus is ready to deliver advanced, mission-ready solutions. We’re proud to deepen our partnership with Malaysia and support defence and security operations across Asia-Pacific.”

meet future mission needs. Zakir confirmed that Indonesia is on track to receive its first A400M in fourth quarter 2025, with the aircraft already painted and progressing through fuel and ground tests. The second is in structural assembly. These aircraft will bolster Indonesia’s strategic airlift and disaster response capabilities. He said: “With rising demand for versatile air mobility solutions in Asia-Pacific, the A400M is gaining traction across the region. We’re in discussions with several governments and are confident the aircraft’s footprint will continue to grow.” Airbus is exploring options to expand the RMAF’s A400M fleet, in line with its growing operational tempo and integration of advanced fighter aircraft. At Lima 2025, Airbus announced a new milestone with the RMAF – an expanded in service support contract for the air force’s A400M fleet, which includes increased spare parts provisioning, enhanced services and future upgrades to ensure continued