Global Turbine Asia Sdn. Bhd. (GTA), a Malaysian-based engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider and a 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 agreements were exchanged on April 22, 2026, witnessed by Malaysia's Minister of Defence, Yang Berhormat Dato' Seri Haji Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin.
The MoU with Airbus DS focuses on evaluating opportunities to develop Malaysia's military aircraft MRO capabilities and assessing GTA as a potential beneficiary of the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP). This initiative aims to advance local aerospace self-reliance, facilitate knowledge and capability transfer, and integrate supply chains, pending necessary approvals. If realized, the partnership could significantly enhance Malaysia's position in the regional aerospace maintenance sector.
Through its MoU with UPNM, GTA seeks to strengthen industry-academia collaboration in research, innovation, talent development, and technical services. Potential areas of cooperation include joint research and development, training and postgraduate pathways, technical advisory services, workshops, centers of expertise, and industry-on-campus initiatives, subject to approvals and separate agreements. This partnership is expected to cultivate a skilled workforce aligned with industry needs.
The 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 at GTA. The collaboration includes job-skills alignment, programme monitoring, and joint initiatives aimed at enhancing the employability and well-being of veterans. This reflects GTA's commitment to social responsibility and leveraging experienced talent.
Dato' Nonee Ashirin Dato Mohd Radzi, Executive Chairman of GTA, 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.”
These strategic partnerships align with Malaysia's broader goals of enhancing aerospace capabilities and self-reliance. By collaborating with key industry players and academic institutions, GTA is positioning itself as a central hub for MRO services and talent development in the region. For more information about GTA, visit https://globalturbineasia.com/.
