GE Aerospace Charts Course for Expansion in Asia-Pacific.

BEIJING: GE Aerospace plans to expand its operations in Malaysia and across the Asia-Pacific region as it strengthens its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities to meet rising global aviation demand.

GE Aerospace vice-president of sales for Asia-Pacific, Nakul Gupta, said Malaysia remains a strategic hub for the company, with its Subang facility playing a central role in both regional and global operations.

“Established in 1997 as a Centre of Excellence for CFM56 engines, our Malaysia site has evolved into a critical MRO hub supporting over 50 airlines worldwide. It now serves as the Asia Centre of Excellence for LEAP MRO services and employs over 700 skilled professionals,” he told Bernama recently, adding that the provider of jet and turboprop engines is looking to grow its capacity further.

The expansion is supported by the company’s proprietary “Flight Deck” operating model and is expected to generate more high-skilled jobs in Malaysia.

In 2018, GE Aerospace made a significant US$80 million (RM344 million) investment to upgrade the Subang facility, which enabled the introduction of MRO services for the CFM LEAP engine. It is the first such capability for GE Aerospace outside the United States.

“As demand continues to rise, we are committed to investing in infrastructure and talent development,” he said.

He also noted that the company invested US$45 million in the Asia-Pacific region in 2023, reflecting its commitment to strengthening its repair technologies and reducing turnaround times.

“This regional investment forms part of GE Aerospace’s US 250million global MRO and component repair investment in 2024, contributing to abroader five − year US 250 million global MRO and component repair investment in 2024, contributing to abroader five−year US 1 billion commitments,” he pointed out.

Nakul further said that these funds were being used to expand facilities, enhance safety measures, and acquire new test cells, tooling, as well as equipment across facilities in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and South Korea.

Within Southeast Asia, GE Aerospace’s footprint includes its Singapore facility, which accounts for over 60% of the company’s global repair volumes and is a pioneer in using additive manufacturing technology to repair jet engine components.

“Additive technology allows us to complete repairs up to 60% faster and with a significantly smaller footprint, enabling quicker aircraft turnaround for our customers,” Nakul said.

To support increasing demand, he said the company continues to upskill its workforce in emerging aviation technologies such as automation, robotics, and additive manufacturing.

On the sustainability front, Nakul said that all GE Aerospace and CFM engines are certified to operate on approved sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blends, with 10 engine models tested with 100% SAF to date.

“GE Aerospace also works closely with fuel producers, regulators, and policymakers to accelerate SAF adoption and affordability,” he added.

GE Aerospace is a global provider of jet and turboprop engines as well as integrated systems for commercial, military, business, and general aviation aircraft.