Malaysia aspires to become the regional MRO hub for the aviation industry . In the 12th Malaysia Plan 2021-2025 , strengthening Malaysia ’ s aerospace supply chain , including design and engineering services , aerospace manufacturing , MRO services , and training for students and professionals , are all key areas of focus .
Thailand is an established aviation hub of the region due to its strategic location in Southeast Asia ’ s heart . The International Air Transport Association ( IATA ) predicts that Indonesia , which has the largest population in ASEAN of 274 million , will become the 4th largest aviation market by 2030 in the Asia-Pacific region . Around 40-45 % of the estimated annual MRO spending of more than USD 1 billion for each country is handled by domestic companies . At the same time , the remainder goes to neighbors such as Singapore and Malaysia .
Indonesia is focusing on developing stateowned PT Dirgantara , one of the few homegrown aircraft manufacturers in the region . Meanwhile , Thailand seeks to develop MRO capabilities in targeted areas such as airframe , engine , and components ( landing gear , wheels , brakes , Auxiliary Power Unit , etc .).
Vietnam , one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally , faces airport overcrowding . As a result , the country is prioritizing investment in upgrading and developing airport infrastructure through capacity expansion of existing airports and construction of new airports . In the region , the most common pathway to sell aerospace products and services is through partnerships with local distributors or agents , with a local entity usually being required to sell to the public sector in most cases . While focusing on the aviation industry , each market has unique capabilities and aspires to develop specific parts of their industry in which Washington State companies could play a role .
Breaking into new markets or creating further expansion can be overwhelming , but the Washington State Department of Commerce is here to help . We have a team of international consultants to support small businesses in exporting to new markets or further expanding into existing markets . In addition , small businesses can receive market intelligence reports and business-to-business matchmaking for over 20 markets worldwide , including Southeast Asia , Australia , and New Zealand .
For further information on how to receive support from our international representatives in the region , please contact :
Amandine Crabtree | AEROSPACE INTERNATIONAL TRADE SPECIALIST Small Business Export Assistance Office of Economic Development & Competitiveness : Washington State Department of Commerce 2001 6th Ave , Suite 2600 , Seattle , WA 98101 Cell : 206-485-8541 | Email : amandine . crabtree @ commerce . wa . gov
APRIL | MAY 2021 ISSUE NO . 26 47