Malaysia secures RM791.5mil in Farnborough Airshow deals
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia secured RM791.54 million in export sales from its participation at the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 in the United Kingdom, reflecting growing global confidence in the country's aerospace capabilities.
The five-day event, held from July 20 to 24, saw the Malaysia Pavilion facilitate 148 business meetings between Malaysian companies and international aerospace stakeholders, according to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade).
The pavilion, coordinated by Matrade in collaboration with the National Aerospace Industry Corp Malaysia (Naico), featured 15 Malaysian exhibitors alongside Invest Selangor Bhd and the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Association (MAIA).
The exhibitors showcased capabilities across key aerospace segments, including aerostructures manufacturing, precision machining, aerospace finishing, electronic design and hardware, manufacturing solutions, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), aviation services and aerospace events.
Matrade chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof said the commercial outcomes reaffirmed Malaysia's competitiveness as a trusted aerospace manufacturing and supply chain partner.
He said Malaysia's aerospace industry generated RM32.5 billion in revenue in 2025, with exports contributing RM7.95 billion or 24.5 per cent of total industry revenue.
"As we work towards achieving the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Blueprint (MAIB) 2030 target of RM55.2 billion in industry revenue, expanding high-value exports will remain a key growth driver alongside domestic aerospace manufacturing, MRO, systems integration and engineering services," he said in a statement.
Abu Bakar said FIA 2026 had reinforced global confidence in Malaysian aerospace capabilities, creating opportunities for local companies to secure higher-value programmes, deepen partnerships with global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and strengthen their position in international supply chains.
He added that Matrade would continue enhancing market access opportunities for Malaysian companies, particularly small and medium enterprises, to expand internationally.
Meanwhile, Naico Malaysia chief executive officer Dr Shamsul Kamar Abu Samah said the strong results demonstrated the growing depth, technical readiness and maturity of Malaysia's aerospace ecosystem.
"As global OEMs accelerate production ramp-ups and seek resilient supply chain partners, NAICO Malaysia remains committed to enhancing the capability and technological adoption of local suppliers," he said.
During the exhibition, CTRM Aero Composites Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of CTRM Holdings Sdn Bhd, received the 2026 Asia Best Maturity Award at the Aero Excellence International Best Maturity Awards after achieving the Bronze Maturity Level under the Aero Excellence Industrial Assessment Programme.
The recognition highlighted Malaysia's manufacturing capabilities, operational standards and supply chain resilience, further strengthening confidence among global aerospace players.
Matrade said FIA 2026 also highlighted opportunities for Malaysian companies amid global aerospace growth driven by commercial aircraft and engine commitments, production ramp-ups, next-generation propulsion technologies, sustainable aviation solutions and autonomous defence systems.
The agency added that its Virtual Malaysia Pavilion on the Madani Digital Trade Platform (MDTP) continued generating international interest throughout the exhibition, with participating companies recording hundreds of profile visits and buyer engagements.
The platform provides international buyers with year-round access to Malaysian aerospace capabilities and supports continued business engagement beyond physical exhibitions.
Matrade said it would continue working with industry stakeholders to promote Malaysian aerospace companies in strategic international markets and strengthen Malaysia's position as Southeast Asia's leading aerospace manufacturing, engineering and services hub.
