Airbus Foresees Big Potential For MRO In Malaysia, Mulls Expanding SAE

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- France-based aircraft manufacturer, Airbus foresees a big potential to increase maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities in Malaysia and mulls the possibility of expanding the footprint of its joint-venture maintenance outfit - Sepang Aircraft Engineering (SAE). SAE, an Airbus subsidiary, is an EASA-approved independent aircraft MRO service provider specialising in the maintenance and overhaul of Airbus single-aisle aircraft. "The form (of expansion) is not yet clear but we definitely intend to extend the footprint of SAE. So, we are studying several possibilities," Fabrice Bregier, President, Airbus Commercial Aircraft told a press conference here Thursday. The hangar at SAE is capable of accommodating three A320 Family aircraft for major maintenance checks. This is in addition to the existing hangar which can accommodate six single-aisle aircraft at any one time. "We do not have so many examples of (MRO) investments in the region. We have a joint venture in Singapore but in terms of space and competivity we can have it in Malaysia. "So there is a big potential to continue to increase this activity which generates a lot of revenue," he said. The expansion is not only to serve the Malaysian market but also the region which is fast growing and more competitive. "You have to offer the services in Asia, you can't do it America or Europe," he added. Asked if Airbus already had an MRO in place for its new fleet of A330neo in the region, Fabrice said there were some activities but it cannot be claimed as an MRO facility. "(So), it is time to implement it," he said, adding that the first A330neo would be delivered to its European customer in the spring of 2018 and subsequently to AirAsia X. In June 2007, AirAsia X, the long-haul, low-cost affiliate of the AirAsia Group, signed a contract for the purchase of 15 A330-300s. The airline subsequently increased its total orders to 31. In December 2014, AirAsia X placed a firm order for 55 A330neo aircraft. In 2015, the airline converted 11 of its earlier A330-300 order to A330neo bringing the total A330neo order to 66 and the A330ceo to 20. However, as for A350's MRO, he said Airbus already has a partnership with Singapore Airlines as it has ordered 67 of the aircraft. "So, their fleet justifies a (MRO) facility next to the airline but it is far from covering our requirement in the region," he explained. -- BERNAMA