Sarawak - Airbus to jointly chart aerospace industry roadmap

THE Sarawak government has announced a strategic partnership with global aerospace leader Airbus to jointly develop a roadmap aimed at advancing the state's aerospace industry, with the creation of a dedicated joint task force forming the centrepiece of the collaboration.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Sarawak-Airbus Joint Task Force will bring together industry experts and specialists to shape a strategic framework for long-term growth in the aviation sector.

“This initiative is expected to serve as a growth catalyst for the aviation industry, opening up new opportunities for the sector’s advancement on an international scale,” he said in a statement issued through the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) on Tuesday.

The formation of the task force is one of six areas of cooperation agreed during Abang Johari’s official visit to Airbus’s campus and the headquarters of ATR, the regional turboprop aircraft manufacturer, in Toulouse, France.

Among the other key initiatives is the development of a 40.5-hectare aerotropolis in Sarawak. The integrated hub will serve as a base for aerospace activities, supporting the wider aviation ecosystem.

Abang Johari also revealed that Airbus and the Sarawak government will work together on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a field in which Sarawak is already making active strides. The state is looking to position itself as a leader in renewable aviation technologies.

The collaboration extends to education and workforce development, with Airbus set to support the creation of aerospace-related training programmes in partnership with institutions such as ICATS University College. The aim is to develop local talent and build a skilled workforce tailored to the aerospace sector.

In addition, the partnership will explore the potential for Sarawak to produce composite materials, gas-based synthetic leather, and avionics and instrumentation systems using artificial intelligence.

A further component of the agreement involves developing digital journey systems and flight services, intended to streamline all aspects of travel into a unified digital platform.

Abang Johari described the collaboration as a significant step forward in establishing Sarawak as a regional hub for aerospace innovation and sustainability. - May 6, 2025