Global Turbine Asia Strengthens Aerospace Sector through Strategic Partnerships

21 April 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: Global Turbine Asia Sdn. Bhd. (GTA), a Malaysian-based engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and support services provider serving military and civil operators in Malaysia, has taken significant steps to boost the country’s aerospace capabilities and talent development.

The company, recognised as a Certified Maintenance Centre (CMC) for Safran Helicopter Engines, today signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) 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 witnessed by Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Haji Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, Malaysia’s Minister of Defence.

The MoUs highlight GTA’s strategic focus on strengthening the aerospace and defence ecosystem through international cooperation, workforce development, research partnerships, and long-term capability building.

These initiatives are aligned with the evolving needs of the regional industry and aim to foster innovation and self-reliance.

GTA’s agreement with Airbus DS will explore opportunities to enhance Malaysia’s military aircraft MRO capabilities.

It also involves evaluating GTA as a potential beneficiary of the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP), which aims to promote local aerospace self-sufficiency, facilitate knowledge transfer, and integrate supply chains – subject to necessary approvals.

Through its MoU with UPNM, GTA seeks to strengthen collaboration with academia in research and innovation, talent development, and technical services.

Potential areas of cooperation include joint research and development, postgraduate training, technical advisory services, workshops, and industry-on-campus initiatives, subject to separate agreements and approvals.

The NoU with PERHEBAT supports the career transition of retired Malaysian Armed Forces personnel and veterans.

This collaboration provides industrial training, workplace exposure, and employment opportunities, with a focus on skills alignment, programme monitoring, and joint initiatives to enhance the employability and well-being of Veteran Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM).

Commenting on the partnerships, 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.”