Toulouse: The Sarawak government and leading global aerospace company Airbus have agreed to establish a joint task force to develop a roadmap for the state’s aerospace industry. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that the formation of the Sarawak-Airbus Joint Task Force is intended to harness industry expertise through collaboration and consultations with specialists to draft the roadmap.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative is anticipated to act as a catalyst for growth in the aviation industry, potentially opening new opportunities for international sector advancements. The establishment of the joint task force is one of six strategic cooperation areas agreed upon by the Sarawak government and Airbus during Abang Johari’s official visit to the Airbus Campus and the ATR headquarters in Toulouse, France.

Abang Johari further announced that Airbus will collaborate with the Sarawak government to develop a 40.5-hectare site in the state as an aerotropolis. This site is intended to function as an integrated hub supporting the aviation industry ecosystem. Additionally, both parties have agreed to investigate the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which is currently under active development in Sarawak.

The collaboration will also focus on the development of aerospace-related training programs and curricula in partnership with local institutions such as ICATS University College. This effort aims to foster skilled human capital for the aerospace industry. Airbus will assist Sarawak in exploring potential manufacturing opportunities in composite materials, gas-based synthetic leather, and avionics and instrumentation technologies utilizing artificial intelligence.

Furthermore, the partnership will include the development of digital journey systems and flight services designed to consolidate all travel arrangements into a single digital package.