Overhauling the aircraft engine services industry

JURUTERA, November 2005 10 Introduction Mention the aviation industry in Malaysia and people would inadvertedly focus their attention on our local airlines, Malaysian Airlines (MAS) and AirAsia. The success of our local commercial airlines and the burgeoning aerospace industry has raised our national profile to new heights. The introduction of AirAsia as a “low fares, no frills” airline in 2001 paved the way for more affordable routine travel, in and around our region. Both MAS and AirAsia have an impressive fleet capacity of 111 aircraft for MAS and 26 for AirAsia (both airlines are looking to expand their fleet count in 2005/2006) 1 . The commercial aircraft engine MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) services in Malaysia is a huge undertaking. GE Engine Services Malaysia (GEESM), a joint partnership between General Electric of USA and Malaysia Airlines, has one such facility at MAS Complex A near Subang Terminal Airport.