Malaysia has announced an ambitious plan to expand its aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector. The government aims to increase industry revenue to RM55 billion ($14 billion) by 2030, up from RM32.5 billion in 2025, leveraging new infrastructure developments at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and other facilities.
During the recent Aviation Week MRO Southeast Asia event, Deputy Minister Sim Tze Tzin highlighted Malaysia’s goal to capture 20% to 25% of the growing regional MRO market, which is projected to reach $60 billion by 2030. To achieve this, the country plans to modernize MRO infrastructure at Kuala Lumpur’s Subang Airport and develop the Selangor Aero Park, a 200-acre facility at KLIA, with GE Aerospace as the anchor tenant. The first phase of this development is expected to be completed by early 2027.
Strategic Focus for Growth
Malaysia’s focus is shifting towards higher-value MRO sectors, such as components and avionics, to remain competitive. The country also intends to create 30,000 high-skilled jobs within the industry by 2030. Malaysia Airports CEO Bryan Thompson stated that more than 30% of aerospace operators are based in facilities managed by Malaysia Airports, contributing significantly to the country's aerospace revenue.
The new developments and strategic initiatives are expected to position Malaysia as a major aerospace MRO hub in Southeast Asia, attracting further investment and supporting regional connectivity and industry growth.
