Sarawak partners with Airbus to develop aerospace industry
KUCHING (May 6):The Sarawak government is taking a step forward in developing the state’s aerospace industry through a strategic collaboration with the world-renowned aviation company, Airbus.
According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that the official visit to Airbus’ headquarters in Toulouse, France has opened the door to six key areas agreed upon for joint exploration, with the goal of establishing Sarawak as a new aerospace hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
He said one of the identified areas is the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with Sarawak actively conducting research to produce SAF in line with the global goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“The second area is the development of human capital in the aerospace industry, with collaboration between Airbus and local institutions such as i-CATS to be expanded in order to develop training programmes and aerospace-related syllabi.
“This initiative will open up opportunities for Sarawakian students to undergo industrial training at an international standard,” he said at a press conference following a working visit to the Airbus Campus and the ATR headquarters on Monday local time.
Abang Johari said that the third area of agreement involves the development of a supporting industry ecosystem.
He explained that Sarawak will also explore the potential for manufacturing composite materials and gas-based synthetic leather for use in the aviation industry, in addition to avionics technology and instrumentation related to AI-powered smart chips.
“The fourth area involves the digitalisation of travel and aviation services, with the introduction of a ‘digital journey’ concept.
“This is aimed at integrating the entire travel process—from flight ticket booking and the use of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) transportation system to accommodation—into one seamless digital package,” he further explained.
He stated that the fifth agreed area is the establishment of a Sarawak–Airbus Joint Task Force to formulate a roadmap for the development of Sarawak’s aerospace industry, involving expertise from both parties.
“A team will be formed on our side, while Airbus will also form their own team. This move aims to create a synergy of expertise in the industry through comprehensive collaboration and discussions between the specialists involved.
“This effort is expected to act as a catalyst for the growth of the aviation industry, while also opening new opportunities for the sector to advance on an international level,” he explained.
Abang Johari said the sixth area involves the development of an Aerotropolis as part of efforts to strengthen the aviation industry in the state.
“The state government plans to develop a 100-acre area as the site for the Aerotropolis—an integrated hub where all buildings are interconnected, making it more efficient and supportive of the aviation industry ecosystem,” he added.
Earlier, the Abang Johari and his delegation conducted a working visit to the headquarters of ATR, the world’s leading turboprop aircraft manufacturer, in France.
He and the delegation later attended a professional networking discussion at the Airspace Customer Showroom, Agoahub, hosted by Airbus International President Wouter van Wersch, followed by a comprehensive tour of the Airbus customer exhibition area.
Accompanying Abang Johari on the working visit were ÿմ’s Ambassador to France Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Sarawak Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Sarawak State Secretary and chairman of AirBorneo Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Attorney General Dato Sri Saferi Ali, and Sarawak Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, who also serves as a Board Member of AirBorneo, Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel along with other senior Sarawak government officials.