Global Turbine Asia Sdn. Bhd. (GTA), a Malaysian engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider and Certified Maintenance Centre for Safran Helicopter Engines, has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus Defence and Space (Airbus DS) and Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), as well as a Note of Understanding (NoU) with Perbadanan Hal Ehwal Bekas Angkatan Tentera (PERHEBAT). The signings, witnessed by Malaysia's Defence Minister YB Dato' Seri Haji Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, underscore GTA's strategic push to strengthen the aerospace and defence ecosystem through cross-border cooperation, talent development and long-term capability building.
The MoU with Airbus DS aims to evaluate opportunities to develop Malaysia's military aircraft MRO capabilities and assess GTA as a potential beneficiary of the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP). This initiative is designed to advance local aerospace self-reliance, facilitate knowledge and capability transfer, and enable supply chain integration, pending necessary approvals. Through this partnership, GTA positions itself as a key player in the regional military MRO landscape, aligning with Malaysia's broader goals of enhancing its aerospace industrial base.
Separately, the MoU with UPNM focuses on strengthening industry-academia collaboration in research, innovation, talent development, and technical services. Areas of cooperation may include joint research and development, training and postgraduate pathways, technical advisory services, workshops and centres of expertise, as well as potential industry-on-campus initiatives, subject to approvals and separate agreements. This partnership aims to nurture a skilled workforce for the aerospace sector, addressing the growing demand for specialized talent.
In addition to these MoUs, GTA's NoU with PERHEBAT supports the career transition of retiring Malaysian Armed Forces personnel and veterans by providing industrial training, workplace exposure, and potential employment opportunities. The collaboration includes job-skills alignment, programme monitoring, and joint initiatives aimed at enhancing the employability and well-being of Veteran Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM). This initiative not only aids veterans but also taps into their valuable experience and discipline for the aerospace industry.
Dato' Nonee Ashirin Dato Mohd Radzi, Executive Chairman of Global Turbine Asia, stated, "These MoUs mark an important step in strengthening GTA's role within the aerospace and defence ecosystem, not only as an engine support and MRO provider, but also as a long-term partner in capability development, talent cultivation and strategic collaboration." She added, "Together, these partnerships reflect our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient and future-ready platform for the industry."
GTA, established in 2010 and based at the Helicopter Centre, Malaysia International Aerospace Centre, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang, holds certifications including DGTA Approved Maintenance Organization, CAAM Maintenance Organization Approval and EASA Part 145 Maintenance Organization Approval. For more information, visit https://globalturbineasia.com/.
