By Yasmin Ramlan
PETALING JAYA, Feb 26 — The state is targeting RM1.3 billion in potential transaction value in the upcoming Selangor Aviation Show 2024, which will be held in September.
If achieved, this would surpass last year’s figure of RM823 million by over 57 per cent.
State executive councillor for trade, investment and mobility Ng Sze Han said the event is also expected to see the potential signing of more than 30 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and welcome some 25,000 visitors.
He expressed optimism that the state government and event organiser Invest Selangor Bhd will be able achieve these targets, but emphasised the need for additional efforts to realise them.
“We are optimistic but we need to work harder,” he said at a press conference to share details of the state’s airshow at Sheraton Hotel, here, today.
According to Ng, SAS 2024 has expanded its size by adding additional hangars and offering various types of booths and chalets that aim to meet the preferences and demands of industry players who are interested to participate.
“There will be a total of 52 shell scheme booths that will be made available for the participants, occupying two hangars.
“SAS 2024 will also offer a range of chalet set ups for bigger participants wanting to have their own personalised discussion areas.”
Ng said the event is also anticipated to feature a bigger static display of aircrafts, and expressed hope that major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and industry players will return to take part.
SAS 2024 will take place over three days from September 12-14 at the Skypark Regional Aviation Centre (RAC), Subang.
It carries the theme ‘The One and Only Business and General Aviation Show in the Region’, aiming to promote regional business aviation, general aviation, as well as drone related activities.
The airshow acts as a networking event for aerospace and aviation industry players, especially from the business and general aviation segments, with the aim of re-energising businesses in the region.
“Additionally, this show serves as a platform for local companies to showcase their products and services, and provide the opportunity for them to attract potential investors to enhance growth and partnership,” Ng said.
Invest Selangor chief executive officer Datuk Hasan Azhari Idris said to ensure the potential transaction value target of RM1.3 billion is met, the state subsidiary has begun promoting SAS 2024 at various aviation events across Asia and Europe.
“Our team was at an event in Singapore last week. They’ve started communicating with new potential exhibitors verbally, and some of them have shown interest.”
Meanwhile, Ng said various programmes and activities are lined up for SAS 2024, including the Career in Aviation job placement fair that will feature 40 companies in the industry seeking to hire new employees. It will be organised on the second and third day of SAS 2024.
Previously, SAS 2023 saw the signing of 28 MoUs involving RM823 million in potential transaction value. The show also attracted a total of 19,217 international and domestic visitors.
It brought together 109 foreign and local companies as exhibitors, 49 static aircraft displays and the participation from countries such as the United States, Denmark, France and Singapore.
A number of prominent industry players such as Textron, Gulfstream and Dassault Aviation also participated in the event.
Ng said this year’s edition is expected to draw in the participation of a bigger number of commercial aviation and air transport services companies, including firms providing aircraft maintenance and components suppliers, as well as others involved in the subsectors of aviation.
He also hopes to see a larger number of employment opportunities for job seekers up for grabs this year.
Those interested to participate in SAS 2024 may contact the event secretariat at [email protected] before May 31, 2024 to enjoy a 5 per cent early bird discount.
Returning participating exhibitors will also enjoy a 10 per cent discount for their participation.
