KUCHING, May 6: A significant milestone was achieved during the Sarawak government’s meeting with Airbus at the aircraft manufacturer’s headquarters, where both parties reached an agreement on six key areas of collaboration.
This marks a pivotal step in Sarawak’s efforts to strengthen its position in the regional aviation and high-tech industries.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasized that the discussions went beyond AirBorneo operations, focusing on laying the foundation for a long-term aerospace ecosystem.
“We are discussing more deeply the areas we are working on together. I raised several points because, for us, AirBorneo is not just an airline. It catalyzes developing the aerospace and aviation industries,” he said in a press conference after a working visit to the Airbus campus and ATR headquarters in Toulouse, France, on Monday (May 5).
The collaboration aims to advance several areas, including the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to support the aviation industry’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Additionally, the two parties are committed to fostering human capital in the aerospace sector through training partnerships between Airbus and institutions like ICATS.
The partnership also intends to explore the manufacturing of composite materials and gas-based synthetic leather for aviation, alongside advancements in avionics technology and AI-powered smart chips.
Abang Johari further highlighted the importance of digitalizing travel and aviation services, introducing the concept of the ‘Digital Journey’ to modernize passenger experiences and operational efficiencies.
Another key aspect of the collaboration is the establishment of a Sarawak-Airbus Joint Task Force, which will work on creating a roadmap for the development of Sarawak’s aerospace industry, utilizing expertise from both parties.
In addition, the Sarawak government presented a proposal for a 100-acre Aerotropolis, a dedicated zone for aerospace-related activities.
“We have proposed using about 100 acres for what we call an Aerotropolis, similar to what Airbus has. This area will be interrelated, with all buildings serving the aerospace industry.
“The meeting not only paved the way for these strategic collaborations but also reinforced Sarawak’s vision to become a key player in the global aerospace sector,” Abang Johari said. – TVS
