He believes there are ample opportunities for local companies to integrate into Airbus’s global supply chain.
“I have met Airbus executive vice-president Wouter van Wersch recently.
“We discussed the future business for Airbus, and the focus is on sustainability and decarbonisation, areas where Malaysia is poised to play a crucial role,” he told Bernama.
Malaysia has established a strong and strategic relationship with Airbus, a European multinational aircraft manufacturer, making it one of the key players in the Asia-Pacific aerospace market.
“As the third-ranked market for Airbus in the region after China and India, Malaysia plays a vital role in Airbus’s global supply chain and business operations,” he said.
Currently, he said about 50 Malaysian companies are part of Airbus’s supplier network, providing a wide range of aerospace parts and components.
“Among them include Composites Technology Research Malaysia (CTRM), Spirit Aerosystems Malaysia Sdn Bhd, and SME Aerospace Sdn Bhd,” he said.
He noted that Airbus has a significant presence in Malaysia, with over 280 commercial aircraft currently in service with Malaysian carriers, including both civil and military helicopters, and close to 400 on order for future delivery.
“Moreover, Airbus has expressed its commitment to expanding its supplier base in Malaysia, aiming to onboard more local companies in the coming years.
“This expansion not only enhances Malaysia’s role in Airbus’s supply chain but also boosts the local aerospace industry’s growth and development,” Eldeen said.
In Malaysia, Eldeen said Malaysia Airlines is expecting the delivery of five Airbus A330neo aircraft by the first quarter of 2025 (Q1 2025), following the arrival of its first A330neo in October.
As for AirAsia, the group is expected to receive another five new Airbus A321neo aircraft by the end of this year.
Route to Paris to increase business flow
Besides Airbus, the ambassador said Malaysia Airlines’s move to expand its route to Paris would also contribute to the increase of business flow while having a significant impact on promoting connectivity between Malaysia and France.
“I am very happy to note that our national carrier plans to expand here (Paris).
“This is in line with the upcoming important events happening in Malaysia, such as the chairmanship of the Asean Summit 2025, Visit Malaysia Year 2026, and SEA Games 2027,” he said.
Eldeen said he is optimistic about the traffic flow of tourists, business travellers, and officials from France to Malaysia resulting from the Paris route.
Malaysia Airlines is expected to offer direct flights to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris from KLIA Terminal 1 starting March 22, 2025.
The airline said it will operate four weekly flights, and tickets for the route will be available with an introductory all-in return fare of RM3,699.