Kuala lumpur: Malaysia Aviation Group's (MAG) training arm, MAB Academy Sdn Bhd, aims to become ASEAN's leading centre of excellence (COE) for aviation, hospitality, and professional training, offering hands-on programmes to develop a future-ready workforce. Chief Operating Officer, Captain Mohamad Khairul Ahmad Jahudi, stated that MAB Academy is committed to investing in top-tier training facilities, strengthening pilot readiness while operating within a highly regulated industry.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Captain Mohamad emphasized the importance of realistic and immersive training through simulations, role play, and scenario-based learning. He highlighted that the academy replicates real operational conditions to ensure trainees are fully prepared to perform confidently and effectively in actual environments. He also noted the academy's crucial role in the talent supply pipeline for the rapidly growing Asia Pacific aviation industry.
Captain Mohamad shared these insights during the Media Immersion Experience, themed 'A Day in the Life of a Pilot', in conjunction with World Pilot Day on April 26. As of April 1, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly have 1,375 active pilots based in Malaysia, comprising 1,349 line pilots and 26 management pilots. MAB Academy plans to recruit a total of 144 cadet pilots this year.
Currently, 141 active cadet pilots are undergoing training at flying schools across Malaysia, including Asia Aeronautical Training Academy in Johor, International Aero Training Academy in Melaka, BATS Aviation Sdn Bhd in Perak, and HM Aerospace Sdn Bhd in Kedah. Established in 2024 as MAG's COE for Learning and Development, MAB Academy offers over 600 training courses and is supported by a pool of 150 trainers. The academy also provides training services to over 30 local and international airlines.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-800 pilot Captain Joshua Bryan Bansh highlighted the crucial role of pilot training in a pilot's journey. He remarked that MAB Academy continues to be a key partner in that development pathway. Captain Joshua praised the academy's state-of-the-art facilities, which include simulators and specialised safety training infrastructure such as door, pool, and fire trainers, ensuring pilots operate at the highest standards. He acknowledged the academy's fundamental role in shaping his journey as an airline pilot by providing a strong foundation in knowledge, technical competencies, and discipline.