Kuala lumpur: GTA Holdings Bhd (GTA), a provider of aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, intends to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) after its listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia. This new facility aims to enhance its research and development (RandD), training, and technological capabilities within the MRO sector. According to BERNAMA News Agency, GTA's managing director and chief executive officer, Datuk Nonee Ashirin Mohd Radzi, stated that the post-listing development plan would enable GTA to position itself as a key industry player supported by its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners, while contributing towards Malaysia's self-reliance in the defence industry. The CoE will serve as a hub for research and technology advancements, backed by OEM partners, and will include RandD and training programmes. Nonee Ashirin elaborated that the company is exploring investment in a Level 4 test bench and necessary equipment, including the Hydromechanical Unit (HMU), whi ch is a component of the helicopter engine. This capability is typically retained by OEMs, but GTA is negotiating to proceed with the investment, although the cost remains undisclosed as discussions continue. Emphasizing its commitment to strengthening MRO sector capabilities, Nonee Ashirin highlighted GTA's strategic relationship with the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF). With over a decade of experience serving MINDEF and the Malaysian Armed Forces, GTA has established itself as a trusted partner, developing expertise in landing gear, wheels, and brakes. Regionally, GTA has expanded its footprint in Brunei, becoming a distributor for the Royal Brunei Air Force. The Royal Brunei Air Force operates six helicopters with twelve engines that GTA aims to support through this engagement. GTA is slated for listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia on September 8, 2026. The initial public offering (IPO) aims to raise RM71.75 million, with plans to issue 329 million shares at 35 sen per share. Upon listing, GTA's to tal market capitalisation is expected to reach approximately RM451.97 million.