Malaysia Aerospace Sarawak Hub

Malaysia’s state of Sarawak is constructing a new international airport, expected to be completed by 2030. This airport will present a major entry point for U.S. companies specializing in airport systems, aerospace manufacturing, MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul), sustainable aviation, and space technologies.

Sarawak has just started a feasibility study to develop a modern, future-ready, sustainable airport. The new airport, expected to accommodate more than 15 million passengers annually, will be a central component of the proposed aerotropolis and will be designed with modern and green architectural principles. A committee chaired by the Sarawak Financial Secretary will review proposals and ensure the project’s successful implementation.

Sarawak will also have its own full-service carrier airline, AirBorneo, by the end of 2025. The new airline is poised to balance connectivity, affordable fares, and economic benefits for the state. The state-owned airline will focus on rural air services before expanding further. The airline aims to fly internationally, including to Germany, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and Thailand.

Sarawak is gearing up to become a competitive aerospace hub in Southeast Asia. In addition to the airport and airline, it plans to establish an aerospace industrial park for high-value aerospace manufacturing, MRO, and sustainable aviation fuel research. The newly established Sarawak Aerospace Advisory Council will assist this effort by enhancing education, workforce training, and forging global partnerships to drive future investment and industry growth. Sarawak also sees opportunities in space technology and satellite launches.

U.S. companies with aerospace and airport support technology can partner with a local Malaysian company to make proposals to the Sarawak state government. Malaysia’s U.S. Commercial Service team offers export promotion programs such as International Partner Search and International Company Profile to help U.S. exporters identify potential local partners.

If you represent a U.S. company keen to explore opportunities in Sarawak’s aerospace plans, please contact Senior Commercial Specialist Siau Wei Pung at office.kualalumpur@trade.gov.