Malaysia secured RM791.54 million (US$192.36 million) in export sales at the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026, as the country strengthens its position as a trusted aerospace manufacturing and supply chain partner.
The five-day participation, held in the United Kingdom from 20 to 24 July 2026, was coordinated by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) in collaboration with the National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia (NAICO).
The Malaysia Pavilion facilitated 148 business meetings between Malaysian companies and international aerospace stakeholders, creating new opportunities across high-value aerospace manufacturing, engineering, maintenance and services.
Malaysia Showcases Growing Aerospace Capabilities
Officiated by H.E. Dato’ Indera Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to the United Kingdom, the Malaysia Pavilion brought together 15 Malaysian exhibitors, alongside Invest Selangor Berhad and the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Association (MAIA).
The participating companies showcased Malaysia’s capabilities across a broad range of aerospace segments, including:
- Aerostructures manufacturing
- Precision machining
- Aerospace finishing
- Electronic design and hardware
- Aerospace manufacturing solutions
- Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO)
- Aviation services
- International aerospace events
The business opportunities secured during FIA 2026 reflected continued global demand across these high-value segments and further strengthened Malaysia’s integration into the international aerospace value chain.
Aerospace Exports Key to Malaysia’s Industry Growth
According to Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, the commercial outcomes at FIA 2026 reaffirm Malaysia’s growing competitiveness as an aerospace manufacturing and supply chain partner.
Malaysia’s aerospace industry generated RM32.5 billion in revenue in 2025, with exports contributing RM7.95 billion, or 24.5% of total industry revenue.
The country is working towards the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Blueprint (MAIB) 2030 target of RM55.2 billion in industry revenue, with high-value exports expected to remain an important growth driver alongside domestic aerospace manufacturing, MRO, systems integration and engineering services.
FIA 2026 also created opportunities for Malaysian companies to secure higher-value programmes, deepen partnerships with global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and strengthen their roles within international aerospace supply chains.
MATRADE said it will continue to expand market access opportunities to help more Malaysian companies, particularly SMEs, enter international markets and contribute to the country’s long-term aerospace growth.
Global Aerospace Trends Create New Opportunities
FIA 2026 highlighted continued momentum across the global aerospace industry, driven by strong commercial aircraft and engine commitments, accelerated production ramp-ups, next-generation propulsion technologies, sustainable aviation solutions and autonomous defence systems.
These developments are creating opportunities for Malaysian aerospace companies to expand their participation in areas including advanced composites, precision machining, aerospace electronics, engine maintenance and repair, manufacturing technologies and other high-value aerospace supply chain activities.
As global aerospace manufacturers seek resilient and capable supply chain partners, Malaysia’s established industrial capabilities provide opportunities for local companies to take on increasingly sophisticated programmes.
CTRM Aero Composites Recognised for Manufacturing Excellence
Malaysia’s growing aerospace capabilities also received international recognition during the exhibition.
CTRM Aero Composites Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of CTRM Holdings Sdn Bhd, was honoured with the 2026 Asia Best Maturity Award at the Aero Excellence International Best Maturity Awards.
The recognition followed the company’s successful achievement of the Bronze Maturity Level under the internationally recognised Aero Excellence Industrial Assessment Programme.
The award reinforces Malaysia’s reputation for manufacturing excellence, operational capability and supply chain resilience, while strengthening confidence among global OEMs in the capabilities of Malaysian aerospace companies.
Strengthening Malaysia’s Aerospace Ecosystem
Ir. Ts. Dr Shamsul Kamar Abu Samah, Chief Executive Officer of NAICO Malaysia, said the strong outcomes at FIA 2026 demonstrated the expanding depth, technical readiness and maturity of Malaysia’s aerospace ecosystem.
As global OEMs accelerate production ramp-ups and look for resilient supply chain partners, NAICO Malaysia remains focused on strengthening the capabilities and technological adoption of local suppliers.
The recognition received by CTRM Aero Composites, he added, demonstrates the industry’s adherence to global quality standards.
NAICO Malaysia will continue working with MATRADE and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to develop local talent, drive innovation and strengthen Malaysia’s position as Southeast Asia’s leading aerospace hub under the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030 (MAIB2030).
Digital Platform Extends Global Buyer Engagement
Beyond the physical exhibition, MATRADE’s Virtual Malaysia Pavilion on the MADANI Digital Trade Platform (MDTP) continued to generate international interest throughout FIA 2026.
Participating Malaysian companies collectively recorded hundreds of company profile visits and buyer engagements through the platform, demonstrating its role in extending business visibility beyond the exhibition floor.
The digital platform provides international buyers with year-round access to Malaysian aerospace capabilities, products and company contact points, serving as a strategic digital gateway for continued business engagement and new export opportunities.
Malaysia Targets Greater Role in Global Aerospace Supply Chains
The RM791.54 million in export sales generated at FIA 2026 highlights the continued potential of Malaysia’s aerospace industry as the country seeks to expand its participation in high-value global supply chains.
Building on the momentum from Farnborough, MATRADE will continue working with industry stakeholders to promote Malaysian aerospace companies in strategic international markets, facilitate high-value business collaborations and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a leading aerospace manufacturing, engineering and services hub in Southeast Asia.
