Homegrown Aeronas puts Johor in race to build Asia's light aircraft

Johor is positioning itself as a potential hub for the global light aircraft industry, with the local Aeronas Aerocraft Sdn Bhd playing a key role in this transformation. Aeronas secured a significant RM357 million order for 50 light aircraft from a Hong Kong-based consortium, signaling a shift from aerospace components and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) to full-scale aircraft manufacturing.

Johor Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee Chairman Lee Ting Han highlighted the company's progress, noting its potential to contribute significantly to the state's economic growth. The committee chairman emphasized that the aerospace sector holds high-value potential, capable of creating high-skilled jobs and bolstering local expertise.

Lee added that Johor aims to attract investment that translates into skilled employment opportunities, fostering local expertise in aerospace. Aeronas, currently operating a semi-production facility focused on refurbishing its first aircraft, plans to expand its production capacity to 60 aircraft per year once a full-scale manufacturing facility is in place.

This expansion, which could yield up to 20,000 jobs, including 450 high-skilled direct positions, would widen the economic impact of the aerospace industry beyond final assembly. The opportunity presents itself as Aeronas builds its presence in Iskandar Puteri, further solidifying Johor's potential as a regional aerospace hub as the industry expands.