JAPAN'S MARUBENI CORP BACKS LOCAL MRO'S AMBITION, SEES BIG AVIATION OPPRTUNITIES IN MALAYSIA

SHAH ALAM, May 8 (Bernama) -- Japan’s Marubeni Corporation sees Malaysia’s location at the centre of Southeast Asia as ideal for developing the region’s aviation industry.

Marubeni Corporation aerospace and mobility division chief operating officer Toru Okazaki said the market environment for maintenance and dismantling services is very promising, as industry trends show Southeast Asia’s heavy maintenance demand growing to US$630 million (US$1 = RM4.23) by 2032. 

“With aircraft retirements increasing by 7.5 per cent annually, the need for quality maintenance and dismantling services is rising significantly.

“These environments create excellent opportunities for our business,” he said in his speech at the launch of KarbonMRO Hangar and Karbon Engine Services here today.

KarbonMRO (KMRO) Services Sdn Bhd is a joint venture between Dviation Group, a renowned leader in aviation technical solutions, and Marubeni Corporation, one of the world’s largest trading and investment conglomerates.

This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone in the aviation industry and is set to revolutionise the Asia-Pacific region’s aviation landscape.

Okazaki elaborated that by integrating Marubeni Group’s aviation businesses, such as parts trading, aircraft and engine leasing, with KarbonMRO’s capabilities, the group can build a comprehensive aviation ecosystem that delivers greater value to customers throughout Asia.

“This project aligns perfectly with Marubeni’s vision, as we see Asia, including Malaysia, as our key region for growth and investment. We are committed to building our presence in Asia and helping develop the region’s aviation industries,” he added.

Earlier, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry deputy secretary-general (Industry) Datuk Hanafi Sakri said KarbonMRO is expected to generate a total revenue of RM160 million, comprising RM100 million from base maintenance and RM60 million from engine services, which can benefit Malaysia and the rakyat.

Dviation Group managing director Kevin Teoh said that KarbonMRO is eyeing maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) contracts for up to 30 aircraft within a year.

“We are still at an infancy level, and now we only utilise 10 per cent of the new hangar facility,” he added.

Meanwhile, KarbonMRO’s latest venture reinforces Malaysia’s standing as a key MRO hub in the Asia-Pacific region, providing world-class aircraft and engine maintenance solutions to airlines, operators, and lessors.

Its newly renovated hangar facility, located at Skypark RAC in Subang Airport, can accommodate two single-aisle aircraft simultaneously for maintenance and is certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to perform maintenance on both Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft types.

The facility is fully equipped to handle a wide range of airframe maintenance services, from scheduled maintenance visits to specialised structural repairs and modifications, as well as aircraft part-out and teardown services.

This positions KMRO as a boutique outfit in the region, with its suite of solutions covering the entire aircraft and engine lifecycle, from entry into service to end of life.

-- BERNAMA