GE Aerospace Eyes Further Expansion In Malaysia, Asia Pacific

From Kisho Kumari Sucedaram 

BEIJING, May 19 (Bernama) – GE Aerospace plans to further expand its operations in Malaysia and across the Asia Pacific region as it strengthens its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities to meet rising global aviation demand.

GE Aerospace vice president of sales for Asia Pacific, Nakul Gupta, said Malaysia remains a strategic hub for the company, with its Subang facility playing a central role in both regional and global operations.

“Established in 1997 as a Centre of Excellence for CFM56 engines, our Malaysia site has evolved into a critical MRO hub supporting over 50 airlines worldwide. 

“It now serves as the Asia Centre of Excellence for LEAP MRO services and employs over 700 skilled professionals,” he told Bernama recently, adding that the provider of jet and turboprop engines is looking to grow its capacity further. 

The expansion is supported by the company’s proprietary FLIGHT DECK operating model and is expected to generate more high-skilled jobs in Malaysia.

In 2018, GE Aerospace made a significant US$80 million investment to upgrade the Subang facility, which enabled the introduction of MRO services for the CFM LEAP engine. It is the first such capability for GE Aerospace outside the United States.

“As demand continues to rise, we are committed to investing in infrastructure and talent development,” he said.

He also noted that the company invested US$45 million in the Asia Pacific region last year, reflecting its commitment to strengthening its repair technologies and reducing turnaround times. 

“This regional investment forms part of GE Aerospace’s US$250 million global MRO and component repair investment in 2024, contributing to a broader five-year US$1 billion commitment,” he pointed out. 

He further said that these funds were being used to expand facilities, enhance safety measures and acquire new test cells, tooling as well as equipment across facilities in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and South Korea.

Within Southeast Asia, GE Aerospace’s footprint includes its Singapore facility which accounts for over 60 per cent of the company’s global repair volumes and is a pioneer in using additive manufacturing technology to repair jet engine components.

“Additive technology allows us to complete repairs up to 60 per cent faster and with a significantly smaller footprint, enabling quicker aircraft turnaround for our customers,” Nakul said.

To support increasing demand, he said the company continues to upskill its workforce in emerging aviation technologies such as automation, robotics, and additive manufacturing.

On the sustainability front, he said that all GE Aerospace and CFM engines are certified to operate on approved sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blends, with 10 engine models tested with 100 per cent SAF to date.

“GE Aerospace also works closely with fuel producers, regulators and policymakers to accelerate SAF adoption and affordability,” he added.

GE Aerospace is a global provider of jet and turboprop engines as well as integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft.

-- BERNAMA