Airbus’ Asia-Pacific president Jean-Marc Nasr said the increase would be on the back of higher passenger traffic growth in the region, which also translates into higher demand for air traffic production and maintenance, repair and overhaul services.

“Passenger traffic growth over the next 20 years is projected to grow 5.5% annually in the Asia Pacific, which is faster compared with 4.4% for the rest of the world,” he told a media briefing on Airbus’ performance in the region.

Nasr said Malaysia is a unique market for Airbus, considering it’s the largest supplier base in Southeast Asia and fifth largest components supplier worldwide.

Among Airbus’ local suppliers are Composites Technology Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd, SME Aerospace Sdn Bhd, Spirit Aerosystems Malaysia Sdn Bhd and SDMK Sdn Bhd.

“There are locally-made parts in all our commercial aircraft and Airbus is the biggest partner for Malaysia’s aerospace industry.

“We are 100% committed to growing our presence in Malaysia and firmly believe the country’s aerospace industry has the potential to become one of the largest in the region,” he said.

Airbus is the largest international exhibitor at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aviation (Lima) Exhibition from tomorrow to Saturday, covering its entire range of commercial aircraft, defence, space and helicopter products and services.