Malaysia's Global Turbine Asia (GTA), established in 2010 as a joint venture with Safran Helicopter Engines, has become a key maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider in the Asia Pacific region. The company supports both military and civil helicopter and turbine engines, while also expanding into component and avionics maintenance.
GTA's Executive Chairman Dato’ Nonee Ashirin stated that the firm’s largest contract is with Malaysia’s Ministry of Defense, covering work on the Airbus A400M’s TP400 engines in partnership with Europrop International. She emphasized that local capabilities have been developed for these engines, with plans to deepen expertise in cooperation with international partners.
The company also maintains Makila engines used on the Airbus EC725 helicopters, a program it has supported since 2013. In addition, it services smaller engines on platforms such as the Squirrel and Agusta A109. According to Dato’ Nonee Ashirin, future opportunities will depend on Malaysia’s upcoming helicopter acquisitions.
She further explained that Global Component Asia, another company within the group, provides repair services for starter generators, exporting to regional markets including Australia.
Beyond company activities, Dato’ Nonee Ashirin highlighted her role in the coalition of defense industries in Malaysia, pointing to recent procurements such as the Korean FA-50 aircraft and naval vessels from Türkiye as examples of projects expected to boost industrial cooperation and offset opportunities.
She underlined that Global Turbine Asia currently employs around 200 people, focusing on developing high-skilled local talent in line with Malaysia’s national economic plans. Aerospace, she noted, is seen as a priority sector for growth, with the company seeking to strengthen its position both domestically and internationally.
For more, you can watch the full interview with Dato’ Nonee Ashirin Dato’ Mohd Radzi:
