Kuala lumpur: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation's (MATRADE) Global Sourcing Programme (GSP) has generated RM325.95 million in export sales for Malaysian aerospace companies.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the inaugural GSP was held in conjunction with the MyAERO Summit 2026, in partnership with the National Aerospace Industry Corporation (NAICO). This event involved 10 Malaysian manufacturers and global aerospace companies, including China's COMAC and France's Safran. The GSP supports the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry's (MITI) target of catalyzing 15 to 20 percent revenue growth for the domestic aerospace sector this year. Buyers and local participants focused commercial discussions on high-margin segments such as propulsion systems and components, advanced composite aerostructures, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, and specialized aerospace tooling and fixtures.
MATRADE chief executive officer (CEO) Abu Bakar Yusof emphasized that the GSP's success, like Malaysia's aerospace exports, was built on the strength of the country's manufacturing depth rather than cost competitiveness alone. The program has translated Malaysia's manufacturing credibility into strong export sales by providing direct access to buyers, thereby accelerating export growth beyond incremental market exposure. Abu Bakar stated that a significant focus is being placed on this approach to advance the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030 and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, aiming to position Malaysia as Southeast Asia's leading aerospace hub.
NAICO Malaysia CEO Dr. Shamsul Kamar Abu Samah highlighted that the strong sales generated from just 18 business-matching sessions indicated an immediate demand for Malaysian aerospace capabilities. He noted that while the current MRO sector is anchored by strength in airframe and base maintenance, achieving MITI's targeted 15 to 20 percent growth this year requires a shift towards higher-value engineering, innovation, research and development, alongside building the necessary talent pipeline.
In addition, MATRADE announced its plan to lead Malaysia's participation at the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 in the United Kingdom from July 20 to 24. This marks Malaysia's sixth consecutive participation in the aerospace trade exhibition. The Malaysia Pavilion will feature 15 exhibitors, including CTRM Aero Composites Sdn Bhd, UMW Aerospace Sdn Bhd, and Malaysia Aviation Group, representing various segments such as aerospace manufacturing, systems integration, engineering and design services, training and education, MRO, and aviation services.
Since its debut at the FIA in 2014, Malaysia has secured RM4.8 billion in cumulative export deals with 43 participating Malaysian companies and over 600 business matchings conducted to date. The event remains a vital strategic platform for expanding the nation's aerospace exports and global partnerships. MATRADE will also launch the Virtual Malaysia Pavilion on its MADANI Digital Trade platform during FIA 2026, enabling participating companies to maintain their visibility to international buyers beyond the exhibition. This hybrid approach aims to provide Malaysian aerospace companies with year-round visibility, sustain their engagement with international buyers, and create greater opportunities to secure high-value export partnerships well beyond the five-day event.