By Selangor Journal Team
KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 — The Selangor Aviation Show (SAS) 2023 is expected to generate between RM500 million to RM1 billion in potential sales this year, which is a more realistic estimate compared to last year, according to state executive councillor for industry and trade Dato’ Teng Chang Khim.
During an interview with Agenda Awani yesterday evening, he said SAS 2022 recorded RM1.65 billion in sales, but this figure also included several unexpected transactions.
Although the projected sales for SAS 2023 may seem ‘pragmatic’, Teng emphasised the air show remains a catalyst for aerospace industry players to showcase their services and innovations, while building connections.
“SAS provides a platform for industry players to introduce their services and showcase their latest innovations. Additionally, it helps facilitate networking between smaller industry players and major industry players, which in turn strengthens the supply chain and the overall ecosystem of the industry,” he said.
The air show, hosted by the Selangor state government and organized by Invest Selangor, is now in its third edition. It was first launched in 2021 with the support of the Federal government, to revitalize the aerospace industry in the state, post-Covid-19 pandemic.
This year’s air show is expected to attract at least 12,000 visitors and will be held from September 7 to September 9, at the Skypark Regional Aviation Centre in Subang.
Teng added the state government is committed to rejuvenating the aerospace industry in Selangor, as it holds significant potential for both the state and the nation.
Upwards of 67 per cent of the entire aerospace ecosystem is located in Selangor, which includes maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) services, as well as the training of skilled aerospace technicians and engineers.
Touching briefly on the redevelopment of Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport or Subang Airport in Subang Jaya, he said the endeavour is being led by a private-public partnership, rather than being the sole responsibility of either the Federal or the state government.
“To redevelop Subang Airport, we cannot solely rely on the public sector. Currently, a private firm is already handling the operations of Subang Skypark.
“For me, this project should be a public-private partnership, because if the private sector is willing to provide the capital, they will be more attentive to the needs of the business. Therefore, it is better for the private sector to spearhead the initiative,” he said.
This April, it was reported that WCT Holdings Bhd will collaborate with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to revamp Subang Airport, at a cost of RM1.5 billion over a period of three years.
