Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation, is investing US$63 million (RM255.8 million) to expand its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at the Subang Aerotech Park, significantly increasing its operational capacity in Malaysia.
Collins Aerospace president Irene Markis.
The expansion will quadruple the facility’s footprint from 46,000 square feet to 164,000 square feet, making it the largest MRO facility of its kind in the region.
According to Collins Aerospace president Irene Markis, the expansion is aimed at capturing rising demand from the fast-growing Asia-Pacific aviation sector.
She noted that the Asia-Pacific region is currently the fastest-growing aviation market globally, with the majority of its population yet to take their first flight. Over the next two decades, the global aircraft fleet is expected to grow from 30,000 to more than 45,000 aircraft, with Asia-Pacific expected to drive a significant share of that expansion.
The expanded Subang facility will provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services for aircraft including the Boeing 787, Boeing 777 and Airbus A330, along with their associated systems. Services will cater not only to Malaysia and neighbouring markets but also to wider international clients.
While the facility was officially launched on Tuesday, full transition into the expanded operations is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Talent expansion and Malaysia’s role
Markis said Malaysia was chosen for the expansion due to Collins Aerospace’s more than 30 years of operations in the country, as well as the adaptability and technical capability of local talent in adopting advanced technologies.
Currently, the Subang MRO facility employs about 150 people, with headcount expected to increase by 30% to 50% over the next five to 10 years as operations scale up.
Minister of Transport Anthony Loke Siew Fook highlighted ongoing government efforts to support the industry, including a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Defence to reskill retired Royal Malaysian Air Force personnel for roles in the aerospace sector.
He noted that these experienced personnel, many of whom are in their early 40s, represent a ready talent pool to support the industry’s expansion.
“We have a ready workforce who have just retired and are in their early 40s who can come to fill these jobs. So bring in more investment, bring more jobs. We will have people ready for you,” he said.
