Negeri Sembilan aims to build aviation hub

PETALING JAYA (July 1): Negeri Sembilan plans to develop an aviation hub as the state government is confident that it will benefit the economy at the local and national level, reported Bernama.

The state government intends to build the hub at Labu, as it is close to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, said State Investment, Industrialisation, Entrepreneurship, Education and Human Capital Committee chairman Dr Mohamad Rafie Ab Malek.

 “I also hope we can at the very least build a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility for commercial aircraft, engines and components at the hub,” he said.

According to him, the state government has already received agreements from AirAsia Group Bhd and Sime Darby Property Bhd to realise the project.

“AirAsia is the largest purchaser of aircraft from Airbus, that is why I have proposed that Airbus open a finishing and assembly facility here.

“AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes is very excited about the proposal, and he has promised me he would convey the state government’s wish to Airbus,” he said.

 “Malaysia is one of Airbus’ biggest customers and this is a good opportunity we need to fully benefit from,” he added.