Global Turbine Asia Sdn. Bhd. (GTA), a Malaysian-based engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider, has taken significant steps to strengthen the nation's aerospace ecosystem through a series of strategic partnerships. On April 22, 2026, the company exchanged 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 signings were witnessed by Malaysia's Minister of Defence, Yang Berhormat Dato' Seri Haji Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin.
The MoU with Airbus DS evaluates opportunities to develop Malaysia's military aircraft MRO capabilities and assesses GTA as a potential beneficiary of the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP). This initiative aims to advance local aerospace self-reliance through knowledge and capability transfer, as well as supply chain integration, pending approvals. GTA's collaboration with UPNM focuses on strengthening industry-academia ties in research, innovation, talent development, and technical services. Areas of cooperation may include joint R&D, training, postgraduate pathways, technical advisory services, and workshops, subject to separate agreements.
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. This includes job-skills alignment, programme monitoring, and joint initiatives to enhance employability and well-being.
Dato' Nonee Ashirin Dato Mohd Radzi, Executive Chairman of Global Turbine Asia, emphasized the importance of these agreements. '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.'
GTA, established in 2010, is a Certified Maintenance Centre for Safran Helicopter Engines and provides engine support solutions including Support By The Hour, AOG and helpline support, technical assistance, spare parts, and training. The company is based at the Malaysia International Aerospace Centre, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang, and holds certifications such as DGTA Approved Maintenance Organization, CAAM Maintenance Organization Approval, and EASA Part 145 Maintenance Organization Approval.
These partnerships align with Malaysia's broader goals to enhance aerospace capabilities and develop local talent, positioning GTA as a key player in the region's defence and aviation sectors. For more information about GTA, visit https://globalturbineasia.com/.
