Sepang, 26th Sept. 2024:
Asia Digital Engineering (ADE), the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) arm of Capital A, celebrated the grand opening of its latest 14-line MRO hangar on Thursday. This new landmark facility marks a significant milestone as Malaysia’s largest and most advanced MRO hangar, underscoring ADE’s commitment to leading the MRO industry in Asean.
Covering an area of more than 380,000 square feet, the state-of-the-art facility spans 20.25 acres within the KLIA Aeronautical Support Zone 1 (ASZ 1) under Malaysia Airports’ KLIA Aeropolis development. The hangar features dedicated workshops, including a Composite Workshop, Sheet Metal & Machine Workshop, Upholstery Workshop, Cabin Interior Repair Workshop, Oven & Boiler Workshop, and a 3D Printing Lab for aircraft livery. Additionally, it houses a Digital Product Development Centre, positioning ADE as one of the most extensive MRO providers in the region.
At the event, the Malaysia Book of Records recognized the new facility with three prestigious national records: Longest Single Span Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) System Rafter, Longest Locally Designed Single Span Truss Frame System, and Longest Vertical Hangar Door (Megadoor). These honours highlight the architectural and engineering excellence of the facility, setting it as a benchmark in the industry and highlighting Malaysia’s growing prominence in the global aerospace sector. This recognition celebrates the innovation and dedication behind the MRO facility, marking a significant milestone in Malaysia’s aviation history.
Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, said, “We are incredibly proud of ADE’s achievement. The new hangar is not just a facility; it represents our vision for the future of MRO in Asia with our ambitions to disrupt and become the leading provider in South East Asia and beyond. In just four years since ADE’s inception, we have built the competencies and facilities necessary to become a leader in this segment. With Malaysia’s strategic location and our investment in cutting-edge technology, ADE is set to revolutionise the MRO landscape, offering innovative, efficient, and cost-effective solutions in the region. This facility will enhance our capability to provide top-notch value and services to AirAsia and other airlines. This growth is also crucial in supporting AirAsia’s ambitious goal of operating 300 aircraft within five years. This milestone firmly places Malaysia on the map as a world-leading MRO provider.”
Subashini Silvadas, CEO of Capital Aviation Services (CAPAS), said, “The launch of ADE’s 14-line hangar is a pivotal moment and marks a significant milestone for ADE, our MRO business and the broader CAPAS portfolio companies. As we continue to expand our services which includes Santan (inflight catering business), Darts (back office shared services business), and upcoming ground handling business, we remain steadfast in our commitment to safety, innovation and excellence. Our vision is to establish CAPAS as Asia’s leading aviation service provider, delivering exceptional service, and value to our clients, exceeding the standards of the industry.”
Mahesh Kumar, CEO of ADE, added, “The completion of this hangar is perfectly timed to meet our growing demand for MRO services. We will be completing our 200th C-check this year with initially seven lines, and the addition of up to 14 lines will significantly expand our capacity to serve more clients. This landmark facility not only enhances our capabilities but also creates at least 500 new jobs in Malaysia, attracting local talent and foreign investment. We are committed to nurturing aviation professionals and setting new standards in the MRO industry. This hangar is a testament to our team’s dedication and continuous support from partners.”
To leverage its ongoing expansion, ADE is conducting soil testing on a five-acre plot adjacent to its new MRO hangar, with plans to build a supplementary four-line facility in line with strong forecast demand. Additionally, ADE is in discussions with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad to acquire an additional 20 acres within the KLIA area for development as a premier MRO centre.
With over 20 years of engineering experience servicing the world’s best low-cost airline AirAsia, ADE is extending its expertise and best practices in airline engineering to attract more third-party airlines. Services include component support, line maintenance, and base maintenance for various aircraft models, such as the Airbus A320 and A330 families, as well as the Boeing 737 family, with plans to expand capacity to service other aircraft types in the future.
ADE has recently received EASA’s Part 145 Maintenance Organisation approval and Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) approvals in seven other countries with plans to expand to other countries in the region. In 2023, ADE secured USD 100 million investment from OCP Asia Ltd., gaining significant boost for the next phase of growth.
