Airbus Helicopters Malaysia managing director Axel de Pascal
KUALA LUMPUR: Airbus Helicopters is looking to increase its market share steadily over the next five years, particularly on the military front in Malaysia, underpinned by the growing demand in the country.
Airbus Helicopters Malaysia managing director Axel de Pascal said Malaysia is an important market for the company, and he expects an uptick in the military demand for special operations and search-and-rescue, as well as tactical transport within Malaysia and regionally.
"This is where Airbus’s combat-proven multi-role H225M model helicopter is best suited for a wide range of mission requirements,” he told reporters during the media briefing on the overview of Airbus Helicopters’s presence and market in Malaysia today.
To date, he said Airbus Helicopters has roughly 50 per cent market share out of 190 helicopters flying in Malaysia.
"We see significant growth in the offshore civil helicopter and military segments, driven either by fleet replacement or additional mission,” he said.
Hence, De Pascal said Airbus Helicopters would want to strengthen the existing strong footprint and ecosystem in the country.
He noted that H225M today is contracted by ten military forces worldwide, with over 170 units delivered, over 40 units on order, and another 50 units supporting governmental agencies on search-and-rescue missions.
"Four of these ten H225M military customers are in Asia-Pacific, including Malaysia,” he said.
Additionally, De Pascal said that under Budget 2024, funding was allocated for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) to acquire 12 helicopters.
"Airbus is ready to put forth its H225M for consideration when the time comes, and we are confident that the additional H225M will complement RMAF’s existing fleet,” he said.
He added that the European rotorcraft manufacturer is definitely positioning Airbus Helicopters as the partner for the Malaysian government and supports the requirements placed by the government for helicopter needs. - Bernama
