TOULOUSE: The Sarawak government is taking a significant step forward to develop the state’s aerospace industry through a strategic collaboration with the world-renowned aviation company, Airbus.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the official visit to Airbus headquarters had opened the door to six key areas agreed upon for joint exploration, aimed at establishing Sarawak as a new aerospace hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
Among these areas is the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with Sarawak actively conducting research to produce SAF in alignment with global goals of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“The second focus is human capital development in the aerospace industry, with cooperation between Airbus and local institutions such as ICATS to be expanded to develop aerospace-related training programmes and curricula.
“This initiative will provide Sarawak students with opportunities for international-standard industrial training,” he said at a press conference following a working visit to the Airbus Campus and the headquarters of ATR, a leading global turboprop aircraft manufacturer, on Monday (May 5).
He added that the third area agreed upon is the development of a supporting industry ecosystem.
Abang Johari explained that Sarawak will also explore the potential for manufacturing composite materials and gas-based synthetic leather for aviation use, as well as avionics technologies and instrumentation related to AI-based smart chips.
“The fourth area is the digitalisation of travel and aviation services, with the concept of a ‘digital journey’ to be introduced.
“This is intended to integrate all travel-related services — from flight ticket booking and ART transport systems to accommodations — into one seamless digital package,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the fifth area agreed upon 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 sides.
“A team will be formed from our side, while Airbus will also establish its own team. This initiative aims to create a synergy of expertise in the industry through comprehensive cooperation and discussions among experts.
“This effort is expected to catalyse the growth of the aviation industry, opening new opportunities for the sector’s advancement at the international level,” he said.
The sixth area, according to the Premier, involves the development of an Aerotropolis to further strengthen the aviation industry in the state.
“The state government plans to develop a 100-acre site for the Aerotropolis — an integrated hub where all constructed buildings are interconnected, making it more efficient and supportive of the aviation industry ecosystem,” he said.
Earlier, Abang Johari and his delegation conducted a working visit to the ATR headquarters in France, a leading global turboprop aircraft manufacturer.
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 space.
