KUALA LUMPUR: Airbus Helicopters reaffirms its commitment to bolstering its current collaborations and network in Malaysia while striving to uphold its dominant position in the market.
Addressing reporters at Airbus’ helicopter facility in Subang, Axel de Pascal, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters Malaysia, emphasized the significance of Malaysia as a key market for the company. Airbus, the European helicopter manufacturer, aims to incrementally expand its market share over the next five years, particularly in the military sector.
“We anticipate a rise in military requirements for specialized operations, search-and-rescue missions, and tactical transport within Malaysia and the surrounding region. Our combat-proven multi-role H225M is ideally suited to fulfill a wide spectrum of mission needs,” remarked De Pascal.
The H225M is presently contracted by ten military forces globally, with over 170 units delivered, over 40 on order, and an additional 50 supporting governmental agencies in search and rescue missions. Four of these ten H225M military customers are situated in the Asia-Pacific region, including Malaysia.
The extensive utilization of the H225M underscores its effectiveness as a force multiplier, enabling swift deployment in diverse weather conditions. Furthermore, numerous operators employ the versatile helicopter for various civil and parapublic missions.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) presently operates 12 H225M helicopters from bases in Kuantan and Labuan. Tailored for the most demanding missions, these multi-role H225Ms have actively engaged in numerous military exercises and humanitarian missions over the past decade, including flood rescue operations, pandemic aid delivery, and life-saving missions. The RMAF’s H225M fleet has achieved global recognition as the highest military flyer per aircraft, accumulating over 30,000 flight hours to date.
Under Budget 2024, the RMAF has been allocated funding to procure an additional 12 helicopters. Airbus stands ready to propose its H225M for consideration when the time arises.
“Malaysia is already well acquainted with the capabilities of the H225M, and stands to benefit from a unified fleet with immediate operational readiness and reduced operational expenses,” added De Pascal.
De Pascal reiterated that any expansion in military capabilities would inevitably lead to an expansion of the company’s existing partnerships and ecosystem.
“We are confident that the additional H225M helicopters will complement the RMAF’s existing fleet. With an established ecosystem in place, the introduction of additional assets will significantly enhance the air force’s efficiency across all levels.”
Airbus has continuously invested in modernizing the multi-role H225 workhorse to align with evolving mission requirements, elevating it to the highest safety standards and reducing its time to market. Recent investments have focused on upgrading the main gearbox, enhancing industrial processes, simplifying maintenance procedures, and improving cost-effectiveness.
“With new infrastructural enhancements incorporated into the H225’s industrial process, production will extend beyond 2040, ensuring stability and sustained fleet support for decades to come.”
“There are considerable opportunities for the H225M. Airbus is confident that this helicopter platform will become a vital enabler, complementing Malaysia’s existing fleet seamlessly.”
