News – Weststar Aviation Services https://weststar-aviation.com Thu, 29 May 2025 04:44:32 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://weststar-aviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cropped-website-logo-32x32.png News – Weststar Aviation Services https://weststar-aviation.com 32 32 LIMA’ 25: Government committed to allowing local companies provide services to ATM https://weststar-aviation.com/lima-25-government-committed-to-allowing-local-companies-provide-services-to-atm/ https://weststar-aviation.com/lima-25-government-committed-to-allowing-local-companies-provide-services-to-atm/#respond Thu, 29 May 2025 04:44:31 +0000 https://weststar-aviation.com/?p=14042 LANGKAWI: The government will continue to create opportunities for local companies to leverage their existing capabilities in providing a range of services to the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

He said this reflects the government’s continued confidence in and support for local defence industry players, to reduce the country’s reliance on external resources in efforts to strengthen national defence.

According to him, this objective is among the key goals the Defence Ministry seeks to achieve through procurement initiatives at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA’25).

“In this regard, several contracts have been signed, including for the maintenance and repair of the Prime Minister Class submarine, awarded to BHIC Submarine Engineering Services Sdn Bhd (BSES).

“Additionally, a contract was signed with Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd for the lease of four additional helicopters with day and night operational capabilities.

“Another agreement involves the procurement of additional floating stock for the TP400-D6 engine and “Low Pressure Turbine” of the A400M aircraft, awarded to Global Turbine Asia Sdn Bhd (GTA),” he said at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) today.

He told reporters this after witnessing the signing and handing over of contract documents, Letters of Acceptance (SST), Letters of Intent (LOI) and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth RM11 billion between the Ministry of Defence and strategic partners.

Other local companies that also received contracts included G7 Global Aerospace, involving the “Sustainment Program” for the F/A-18D fighter aircraft and Galaxy Aerospace (M) Sdn Bhd for the maintenance of the AW139 Maritime Operations Helicopter (HOM).

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Weststar Aviation partnering with Melaka state govt on 17.1-acre aviation centre https://weststar-aviation.com/weststar-aviation-partnering-with-melaka-state-govt-on-17-1-acre-aviation-centre/ https://weststar-aviation.com/weststar-aviation-partnering-with-melaka-state-govt-on-17-1-acre-aviation-centre/#respond Thu, 29 May 2025 04:16:57 +0000 https://weststar-aviation.com/?p=14039 KUALA LUMPUR (May 20): Weststar Aviation Services, which is leading Malaysia’s biggest government helicopter programme, will work with the Melaka state government to build a 17.1-acre aviation centre at Melaka International Airport.

The centre will include a helicopter flight training centre, a maintenance and repair hub, and a logistics hub.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Weststar Aviation Services said the partnership includes a two-year period to finalise technical and commercial plans, with both sides aiming to boost Melaka’s role in the regional aerospace sector.

Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd and the Melaka state government signed a memorandum of understanding at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) 2025, witnessed by Italy’s deputy defence minister and the ambassador of Italy to Malaysia.

Weststar and Leonardo will supply up to 28 helicopters to Malaysia for search and rescue, security, and emergency use under a RM16.5 billion lease deal signed in December 2024. The helicopters, which include AW149 helicopters for the Royal Malaysian Air Force and Army, will be leased to the government for 15 years, with most arriving between 2026 and 2027.

Leonardo will also provide local support and training.

Weststar and Leonardo will continue to invest in local capabilities such as simulators, maintenance facilities, and mission systems to support Malaysia as a regional helicopter hub.

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UPNM perkukuh agenda UPNM30 melalui lima kerjasama strategik di LIMA’25 https://weststar-aviation.com/upnm-perkukuh-agenda-upnm30-melalui-lima-kerjasama-strategik-di-lima25/ https://weststar-aviation.com/upnm-perkukuh-agenda-upnm30-melalui-lima-kerjasama-strategik-di-lima25/#respond Thu, 29 May 2025 04:11:30 +0000 https://weststar-aviation.com/?p=14036 KUALA LUMPUR – Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) semalam memeterai lima perjanjian (MoU) kerjasama utama bersama rakan industri tempatan dan antarabangsa sebagai sebahagian daripada pelaksanaan agenda strategik UPNM30, sempena Edisi ke17 Pameran Maritim dan Aeroangkasa Antarabangsa Langkawi 2025 (LIMA’25).

Kerjasama itu disaksikan Menteri Pertahanan Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordiny ang menzahirkan sokongan penuh Kementerian Pertahanan (MINDEF) terhadap inisiatif yang menyatukan akademia, industri dan keperluan strategik pertahanan negara.

“Ia juga mencerminkan komitmen UPNM sebagai rakan strategik Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) dalam melahirkan modal insan berkompeten dan memperkasa inovasi teknologi ketenteraan sejajar dengan dua teras utama UPNM30: Kesarjanaan dan Pusat Kecemerlangan,” kata UPNM menerusi kenyataan.

Menurut UPNM, antara pihak yang menjalinkan kerjasama itu ialah Prisma Khas Sdn. Bhd. (MoA), Weststar Aviation Services Sdn. Bhd., Science & Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE), AIROD Sdn. Bhd. (MoU) dan KNDS, Perancis (NDA).

Katanya, MoU yang dijalinkan dengan Prisma Khas Sdn. Bhd. merupakan penyelidikan yang  bertujuan menilai kecekapan dan penggunaan jalur lebar sistem Forensic Evidence Management Systems (FEMS), di samping menjalankan analisis statistik menggunakan teknologi pembelajaran mesin (machine learning).

Projek ini berpotensi memperkukuh kepakaran UPNM dalam teknologi digital forensik dan membuka peluang pengkomersialan sistem kepada agensi penguatkuasaan undang-undang serta pihak berkepentingan lain.

Untuk kerjasama dengan Weststar Aviation Services Sdn. Bhd. pula ia memberi tumpuan kepada penyelidikan dan pembangunan dalam latihan penerbangan, pensijilan serta sistem berkaitan.

Inisiatif itu akan melibatkan pembangunan modul latihan berdasarkan piawaian industri dan penyediaan sistem pensijilan yang komprehensif.

Kerjasama ini dijangka memperkukuh hubungan antara akademia dan industri serta memberi nilai tambah kepada pembangunan modal insan dalam bidang penerbangan dan aeroangkasa.

Bagi kerjsama dengan AIROD Sdn. Bhd. ia merupakan MoU selama tiga tahun antara dalam usaha memberi tumpuan kepada pembangunan sistem Aircraft Structural Integrity (ASI), termasuk aspek ketahanan dan analisis struktur pesawat.

Kolaborasi ini turut melibatkan integrasi teknologi kecerdasan buatan (AI) dalam ujian ketahanan, analisis tekanan dan penilaian beban pesawat.

“Perjanjian ini turut meliputi penyediaan tenaga pakar, kemudahan makmal dan peralatan teknikal yang menyokong pelaksanaan projek. Ia bakal memperkukuh daya saing UPNM dalam teknologi aeroangkasa yang berimpak tinggi,” katanya.

Untuk Kerjasama dengan Institut Penyelidikan Sains & Teknologi untuk Pertahanan (STRIDE), ia merupakan perjanjian selama lima tahun bersama STRIDE yang merangkumi penganjuran penyelidikan, syarahan dan persidangan dalam bidang pertahanan dan keselamatan.

Perjanjian itu turut membabitkan pertukaran pengetahuan, permohonan geran penyelidikan bersama, serta penggunaan kemudahan dan peralatan penyelidikan secara bersama.

“STRIDE juga diberi keistimewaan untuk menyertai program pengajian pascasiswazah di UPNM. Kolaborasi ini berpotensi meningkatkan kapasiti penyelidikan strategik negara serta menyokong dasar pembangunan teknologi pertahanan nasional,” jelasnya.

Sementara itu, MoU Bersama KNDS, Perancis (NDA) merupakan Perjanjian Kerahsiaan (NDA) selama lima tahun yang syarikat tersebut merupakan sebuah syarikat pertahanan berprestij dari Perancis, yang akan membuka peluang kepada UPNM meneroka kolaborasi dalam pembangunan industri pertahanan khususnya dalam sistem persenjataan seperti Towed Light Gun.

“Kerjasama ini dijangka memanfaatkan penyelidik UPNM melalui pemindahan teknologi, pendedahan antarabangsa serta peluang pengkomersialan hasil penyelidikan melalui rangkaian global KNDS.

“Ia turut menandakan langkah awal UPNM dalam memperluas pengaruh penyelidikan ke peringkat antarabangsa melalui kerjasama dengan syarikat-syarikat pertahanan utama dunia,” katanya. – MalaysiaGazette

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Malaysia includes Italian-made Leonardo AW149 helicopters in its largest governmental rotorcraft leasing programme to date. https://weststar-aviation.com/malaysia-includes-italian-made-leonardo-aw149-helicopters-in-its-largest-governmental-rotorcraft-leasing-programme-to-date/ https://weststar-aviation.com/malaysia-includes-italian-made-leonardo-aw149-helicopters-in-its-largest-governmental-rotorcraft-leasing-programme-to-date/#respond Thu, 29 May 2025 04:02:26 +0000 https://weststar-aviation.com/?p=14033 At the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) held in May 2025, Leonardo and Weststar Aviation Services, a Malaysian operator, jointly announced the start of a government helicopter fleet expansion and modernization programme that is the most extensive of its kind for Leonardo in Malaysia. Under the terms of the initiative, Leonardo will provide up to 28 helicopters of various types through a leasing agreement with Weststar, which will transfer the aircraft to the Malaysian Government for a period of 15 years. Most of these deliveries are expected to take place between 2026 and 2027. The agreement involves both firm orders and options and includes support and training services conducted locally by Weststar.

Malaysia’s helicopter fleet is distributed across several government agencies and branches of the armed forces, reflecting a wide range of operational needs spanning military, law enforcement, civil protection, and maritime surveillance. The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) previously operated the Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri helicopters from 1968 until their retirement in January 2020. To partially replace these, the RMAF currently fields 12 Airbus H225 helicopters and four Leonardo AW139s, which were acquired through leasing agreements. The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) operates helicopters for surveillance, transport, and law enforcement tasks, while the Fire and Rescue Department (JPBM) employs a mix of aircraft, including the AW139 and Mil Mi-17-1V, for firefighting and rescue missions.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritim Malaysia) uses helicopters for coastal and offshore monitoring, search and rescue, and interdiction roles. The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) operates platforms such as the Super Lynx Mk 300 for anti-submarine warfare and the Eurocopter Fennec for surveillance and utility tasks. Despite this diversity, many of the platforms in service are aging or limited in number, prompting the government to pursue modernization strategies, such as the AW149 leasing programme, to standardize and strengthen operational capabilities across all aviation branches.

On November 13, 2024, Malaysian Minister of Defence, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, announced to the Malaysian Parliament that the 28 leased helicopters would be distributed across six Malaysian government entities: 12 units are allocated to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), 7 to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), 4 to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), 2 to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), and 2 to the Fire and Rescue Department (JPBM). The programme is designed to meet a wide range of operational needs, including law enforcement, utility transport, firefighting, emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue (SAR), maritime surveillance, disaster response, and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR).

The AW149 has been evaluated by the Malaysian authorities as a replacement for the retired Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri helicopters, which were withdrawn from RMAF service in January 2020 after nearly 60 years of operational use. During LIMA 2023, Leonardo promoted the AW149 as a suitable successor to the Nuri, highlighting its CSAR and utility capabilities. The Malaysian Armed Forces procurement plan includes two phases of 12 helicopters each, based on a lease-purchase model that would transfer maintenance responsibilities away from the RMAF. The selection of the AW149 followed a value management assessment conducted by the Public-Private Partnership Committee, in coordination with the Prime Minister’s Department and the National Security Council. The programme is coordinated by the same entities. According to statements from senior defense officials, this approach was selected to reduce initial capital expenditure while ensuring access to current-generation systems.

The AW149 was developed by AgustaWestland, now part of Leonardo, and had its first flight in 2009. It received military flight certification in 2014 and is classified as a medium-lift, multi-role military helicopter. The platform is powered by either two General Electric CT7-2E1 engines or two Safran Aneto-1K engines and is designed for missions such as troop transport, medical evacuation, special forces deployment, close air support, and CSAR. Its maximum takeoff weight is 8,600 kg, and it has a maximum cruise speed of approximately 294 km/h, a range of up to 1,009 km, and an endurance of up to 5 hours. The helicopter accommodates up to 16 fully equipped or 19 lightly equipped troops. Key technical features include a modular cabin, open architecture mission system, integrated avionics, ballistic tolerance in the fuselage and rotor blades, crashworthy landing gear and seating, self-sealing fuel tanks, and a defensive aids suite. Armament options include window-mounted machine guns, unguided rocket pods, guided missile pods capable of carrying up to four AGM-114 Hellfire II missiles, and auxiliary fuel tanks.

Leonardo’s strategy in Malaysia includes the use of its training and maintenance infrastructure near Kuala Lumpur, which operates as the only Leonardo helicopter Training Academy located outside the company’s home markets. The academy trains pilots and technicians for operations involving law enforcement, SAR, EMS, offshore transport, and other public and military missions. According to Leonardo, over 70 Malaysian operators currently operate more than 240 of its helicopters, accumulating over 40,000 flight hours annually. The number of personnel trained in Malaysia has doubled over the last decade. Leonardo plans to expand its local industrial activities by introducing additional Full-Flight Simulators, Interactive Trainers, and enhanced maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities. These developments are intended to support blade repair, electronic systems servicing, and mission systems integration.

Weststar Aviation Services, Leonardo’s Malaysian partner in the leasing programme, is the largest helicopter operator in Southeast Asia and operates across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. It provides aviation services to the energy sector, as well as for defense support, VIP transport, EMS, SAR, and aerial utility operations. Weststar currently operates the AW189, a civil derivative of the AW149. The company’s operations are based in key regional hubs to ensure logistical reach and support. The current agreement represents the most extensive collaboration between Leonardo and Weststar to date and is based on a leasing model intended to enable broader inter-agency utilization of helicopter capabilities under a shared acquisition framework.

This initiative follows the cancellation of a previous contract for the lease of four Black Hawk helicopters, which was terminated by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence due to non-fulfillment of contractual obligations. The leasing agreement with Leonardo is part of a broader effort by the Malaysian Government to ensure operational capability across its defense and emergency agencies through equipment modernization, with a focus on asset availability, performance accountability, and cost control. The AW149’s military configuration selected by Malaysia is distinct from civil-use versions, according to statements by RMAF Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, who confirmed that the platform meets national defense requirements in the categories of SAR, CSAR, and utility roles.

The AW149’s operational history includes confirmed orders and deliveries to several countries. The Egyptian Navy ordered 24 units in 2019, with deliveries starting in 2020. The Royal Thai Army operates five units. Poland ordered 32 helicopters in 2022 under a $1.85 billion contract, with deliveries planned through 2029. A production line for the AW149 was established in 2024 at PZL-Świdnik in Poland, which produced its first helicopter in early 2025 as part of an industrial transfer agreement. Approximately 20 of the Polish helicopters will be assembled locally. The AW149 has also been proposed for the United Kingdom’s New Medium Helicopter programme, where it remains the only official candidate following the withdrawal of Airbus and Sikorsky in 2024. The helicopter’s integration in Poland supports the replacement of aging Soviet-era platforms such as the Mi-8, Mi-17, and Mi-24, and complements the country’s broader rotary-wing modernization efforts.

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Leonardo and Weststar Join Forces to Supply Helicopters to MalaysiaThis text comes from MILMAG Military Magazine. https://weststar-aviation.com/leonardo-and-weststar-join-forces-to-supply-helicopters-to-malaysiathis-text-comes-from-milmag-military-magazine/ https://weststar-aviation.com/leonardo-and-weststar-join-forces-to-supply-helicopters-to-malaysiathis-text-comes-from-milmag-military-magazine/#respond Thu, 29 May 2025 03:57:55 +0000 https://weststar-aviation.com/?p=14030 During the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Italian company Leonardo and Malaysian firm Weststar Aviation Services announced a partnership to supply 28 helicopters to the Malaysian government.

On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Italian company Leonardo and Malaysian firm Weststar Aviation Services — a long-standing regional partner — announced a new collaboration to supply 28 helicopters of various types to the Malaysian government as part of capability expansion and modernization programs.

As part of the program, Weststar plans to deliver up to 28 helicopters of various types, through a mix of confirmed orders and options, most of which are expected to be delivered between 2026 and 2027. Weststar will lease the helicopters to the Malaysian government for 15 years, providing dedicated local support and training services for the end users.

The program marks a significant increase in Leonardo Helicopters’ presence among various Malaysian military, internal security, and public service operators. It includes different helicopter types for the Royal Malaysia Police and the Fire and Rescue Department, intended for law enforcement, transport, firefighting, medical evacuation (HEMS/SAR), and disaster relief missions.

Among the various models, the program also includes AW149 helicopters for the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the Malaysian Army, designated for combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions and transport roles.

Leonardo continues to strengthen its role in the Malaysian helicopter market. The company envisions making Malaysia a central hub of its expansion strategy and a regional leader in rotorcraft and broader aerospace capabilities. Building on its long-standing presence and partnerships with Malaysian entities, Leonardo is reinforcing its commitment through investment, increased localization of industrial activities, and the development of innovative capabilities.

With its regional customer support and training center near Kuala Lumpur, Leonardo operates the only helicopter training academy outside its home markets. Over the years, Leonardo has delivered hundreds of helicopters carrying out missions such as transport, internal security, law enforcement, SAR, medical rescue, maritime patrol, military missions for the navy/coast guard, reconnaissance, offshore transport, and passenger flights. Today, Leonardo supports more than 70 operators in Malaysia, who collectively operate over 240 helicopters, logging more than 40,000 flight hours annually. Over the past decade, the number of cadets trained locally has more than doubled, reaching into the hundreds, with thousands of simulated flight hours conducted each year. This makes Malaysia one of the most active operational bases in the world, underscoring the country’s strategic importance in developing highly skilled professionals.

Leonardo is now ready to expand its local industrial operations in Malaysia with new and advanced simulation and training capabilities, including additional full-flight simulators and interactive helicopter trainers. The company also plans to enhance or build new MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) infrastructure, covering rotor repairs, electronic systems servicing, and mission system integration, further strengthening Malaysia’s role as a global support hub for Leonardo.

“We’re proud to join forces with our established partner Weststar to respond to this important requirement set by the Malaysian Government to deliver greater rotorcraft capabilities to benefit national defence and security and the local communities,” said Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters. “This latest initiative builds on the solid presence and the investments made over many years by Leonardo in the country, demonstrating we can be a reliable partner for key security and life-saving objectives, as well as the local economy and employment opportunities. Proximity, Innovation, and professional skills are key drivers of success. Thus, Malaysia continues to be a critical hub for us to serve the country and the greater region, and we’re committed to staying beside its Authorities to ensure our technology and services perform at their very best.

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Ground Team Red launches private jet handling business https://weststar-aviation.com/ground-team-red-launches-private-jet-handling-business/ https://weststar-aviation.com/ground-team-red-launches-private-jet-handling-business/#respond Thu, 29 May 2025 03:51:45 +0000 https://weststar-aviation.com/?p=14027 Ground Team Red has today announced its entry into the business aviation sector with the launch of a new private jet handling service.

The Malaysian ground services provider, which describes itself as a joint venture between SATS and AirAsia, made the announcement at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025, where GTR signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Weststar Aviation Services and Sapura Aero Handlers.

The company will be appointed as the official ground handler for non-scheduled flights, focusing specifically on private jets and military aircraft.

Ground Team Red’s CEO Musdalifa Abdullah said: “This MoU marks an important milestone as we expand into the non-scheduled flight segment, supporting the unique demands of private and military aviation.

“We are honoured to be the ground handling partner of choice for Weststar and Sapura Aero and look forward to elevating the standard of handling in Malaysia.”

Ground Team Red said its new private jet handling service will leverage the company’s extensive operational expertise and nationwide presence to deliver premium ground handling services tailored to the requirements of private and military aviation.

The service will initially be available at key airports across Malaysia, with plans for expansion “in line with market demand”.

Chief executive Musdalifa Abdullah told Airline Routes & Ground Services in March that GTR had plans to expand its presence by introducing premium services across Malaysia.

He added that Ground Team Red wants to transition from a ground handling company to a broader service provider that can deliver meet-and-greet services and airport lounges.

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LIMA 2025: Leonardo, Weststar to supply Malaysian military with new helicopters https://weststar-aviation.com/lima-2025-leonardo-weststar-to-supply-malaysian-military-with-new-helicopters/ https://weststar-aviation.com/lima-2025-leonardo-weststar-to-supply-malaysian-military-with-new-helicopters/#respond Thu, 29 May 2025 03:48:54 +0000 https://weststar-aviation.com/?p=14024 Malaysian aviation company Weststar Aviation Group (Weststar) has entered into ‘sale and purchase agreements’ with Leonardo SpA to supply the Malaysian Armed Forces and government bodies with 28 new helicopters within three years.

The agreement, which was announced during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2025 on 20 May, launches the “most significant government helicopter fleet expansion and modernisation programme” for Leonardo in Malaysia, the company said in a press statement.

LIMA 2025 is being held on the Malaysian island of Langkawi from 20 to 24 May 2025.

Within the framework of the programme, Weststar “foresees” the delivery of up to 28 helicopters “of various types, in a mix of firm orders and options”, Leonardo said, adding that most of the helicopters will be provided to the Malaysian military and government between 2026 and 2027.

“Weststar will lease the aircraft to the Malaysian government for 15 years, with dedicated localised support and training services to the operator,” Leonardo said.

According to Weststar, the support arrangement will “ensure long-term operational readiness”.

The arrangement is intended to meet a “range of [Malaysian] national requirements for defence, security, and the support of communities”. According to Weststar, the supply of the helicopters “is in line with the concession agreement signed between Weststar Aviation Sdn Bhd and the government of Malaysia in November 2024”.

Neither Leonardo nor Weststar has commented on the value of the leasing agreements. However, Malaysian government officials have said in November 2024 and in early 2025 that the lease arrangement would have a value of MYR16.5 billion (USD3.5 billion).

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Malaysia’s Biggest Helicopter Overhaul To Take Flight By 2026 https://weststar-aviation.com/malaysias-biggest-helicopter-overhaul-to-take-flight-by-2026/ https://weststar-aviation.com/malaysias-biggest-helicopter-overhaul-to-take-flight-by-2026/#respond Thu, 29 May 2025 03:43:56 +0000 https://weststar-aviation.com/?p=14021 Malaysia will lease up to 28 new-generation helicopters from 2026 to 2027 under its largest ever helicopter expansion and modernisation initiative, aimed at strengthening national defence, security and emergency response capabilities.

Announced at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025, the programme will see Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd deliver the helicopters in partnership with Italy’s Leonardo. The aircraft will include the AW149 for the Royal Malaysian Air Force and Army, as well as other variants for the Royal Malaysian Police and Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), supporting missions such as CSAR, transport, law enforcement, firefighting, EMS, SAR and disaster relief.

The helicopters will be leased to the Malaysian Government for a 15-year period, with Leonardo also providing training and localised support to ensure long-term operational readiness.

Separately, Weststar also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Melaka State Government to develop an Aviation Centre of Excellence at Melaka International Airport (LTAM). The centre will include a flight training facility, helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub, and logistics support.

The 17.1-acre project aims to boost employment and strengthen TVET programmes in aviation engineering. Both parties are targeting a two-year period to finalise the technical and commercial aspects of the development.

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Weststar Aviation Launches Major Programme https://weststar-aviation.com/weststar-aviation-launches-major-programme/ https://weststar-aviation.com/weststar-aviation-launches-major-programme/#respond Thu, 29 May 2025 03:29:48 +0000 https://weststar-aviation.com/?p=14018 Weststar Aviation Launches Major Government Helicopter Programme and Aviation Centre of Excellence at LIMA 2025

Langkawi, Malaysia – Weststar Aviation Services Sdn. Bhd. today announced two major milestones that will shape the future of Malaysia’s aviation landscape with the launch of the country’s largest ever government helicopter expansion and modernization programme in partnership with Leonardo, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Melaka State Government to develop an Aviation Centre of Excellence at Melaka International Airport (LTAM).

The announcements were made during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025 in the presence of Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Chief Minister of Melaka YAB Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf bin Yusoh, and key dignitaries from Malaysia and Italy.

In partnership with Leonardo, Weststar will deliver up to 28 new-generation helicopters to meet a wide range of national defence, security, and emergency response needs. The helicopters — covering various configurations including the AW149 for the Royal Malaysian Air Force and Army, and other models for the Royal Malaysian Police and Bomba (Fire and Rescue Department) that will support missions such as combat search and rescue (CSAR), transport, law enforcement, firefighting, EMS, SAR, and disaster relief.

These aircraft will be leased to the Malaysian Government for a 15-year period, with deliveries scheduled primarily between 2026 and 2027. Leonardo will also provide localized support and training services to ensure long-term operational readiness.

“This is a historic milestone for Weststar and Malaysia,” said Tan Sri Dr. Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, Chairman of Weststar Aviation. “This initiative reaffirms our commitment to supporting national defence and public service agencies with world-class aviation solutions. We are proud to work alongside Leonardo to ensure the Malaysian Government has the tools and technologies it needs to serve and protect our nation.”

Also at LIMA 2025, Weststar Aviation Sdn. Bhd. signed an MoU with the Melaka State Government to develop a comprehensive Aviation Centre of Excellence at LTAM. The facility will include a Helicopter Flight Training Centre, Helicopter Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) Hub and Helicopter Logistics Hub.

The MoU was signed by YB Dato’ Azhar Haji Arshad, State Secretary of Melaka, and Tuan Syed Muhammad Azni bin Tan Sri Syed Azman of Weststar Aviation, with high-level witnessing by officials from both parties and international delegates including Italy’s Deputy Minister of Defence and the Ambassador of Italy to Malaysia.

The project, located on a proposed 17.1-acre site at LTAM, aims to create employment opportunities for Melaka residents and to enhance Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), particularly in aviation engineering

The collaboration outlines a two-year period to finalize technical and commercial details, with both parties committed to identifying additional opportunities to strengthen Melaka’s role in the regional aerospace ecosystem.

Together, these initiatives signal a transformative leap forward for Malaysia’s aviation industry. Weststar and Leonardo will continue investing in localized industrial capabilities, including advanced simulators, MRO facilities, and integrated mission systems, thus, reinforcing Malaysia’s role as a regional hub for helicopter support and innovation.

“Weststar is proud to be at the forefront of aviation excellence in Malaysia and beyond,” added Tan Sri Dr. Syed Azman. “From government operations to global offshore missions, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of safety, performance, and service to deliver aviation solutions that matter.”

About Weststar Aviation Services

Weststar Aviation Services is one of the global leaders in offshore helicopter transportation and a key player in the international energy aviation sector. Weststar operates a diverse fleet of state-of-the-art helicopters supporting critical missions across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

Driven by an unwavering commitment to safety, efficiency, and service excellence, Weststar delivers a comprehensive suite of aviation services, including offshore transportation for the oil and gas industry, defence aviation support, VIP helicopter charter services, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue (SAR) operations, and aerial utility services. These capabilities are supported by strategically located bases in major energy hubs, ensuring operational readiness and the highest safety standards at all times.

As the largest helicopter operator in Southeast Asia, Weststar Aviation Services continues to expand its global footprint and set new benchmarks in aviation innovation, reliability, and mission-critical performance.

For more information, please visit: www.weststar-aviation.aero

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Ground Team Red Launches Premium Private Jet Handling Services at LIMA 2025 https://weststar-aviation.com/ground-team-red-launches-premium-private-jet-handling-services-at-lima-2025/ https://weststar-aviation.com/ground-team-red-launches-premium-private-jet-handling-services-at-lima-2025/#respond Thu, 29 May 2025 03:22:43 +0000 https://weststar-aviation.com/?p=14015 LANGKAWI, 20 MAY 2025 – Ground Team Red Sdn Bhd (GTR), a leading ground services handler in Malaysia, today, announced the official launch of its Private Jet Handling service at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025.

The new premium service marks GTR’s strategic expansion into the VIP and business aviation segment, enhancing its comprehensive portfolio of aviation ground handling services.

During the event, GTR signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two strategic partners – Weststar Aviation Services and Sapura Aero Handlers.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Minister of Transport Malaysia, YB Hasbi Habibollah. Through these agreements, GTR will be appointed as the official ground handler for non-scheduled flights, focusing specifically on private jets and military aircraft.

Musdalifa Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of GTR, highlighted the launch as a significant step in GTR’s growth trajectory: “This MoU marks an important milestone as we expand into the non-scheduled flight segment, supporting the unique demands of private and military aviation. We are honoured to be the ground handling partner of choice for Weststar and Sapura Aero and look forward to elevating the standard of handling in Malaysia.”

GTR’s new Private Jet Handling service will leverage the company’s extensive operational expertise and nationwide presence to deliver premium ground handling services tailored to the exacting requirements of private and military aviation. The service will initially be available at key airports across Malaysia, with plans for expansion in line with market demand.

The launch at LIMA 2025, Malaysia’s premier aerospace and maritime exhibition, underscores the strategic importance of this service expansion.
As the nation continues to develop its aviation infrastructure and capabilities, GTR’s entry into specialised handling services aligns with national objectives to enhance Malaysia’s position as a regional aviation hub.

About Ground Team Red Sdn Bhd

Ground Team Red Sdn Bhd (GTR) is Malaysia’s leading ground handler, providing comprehensive aviation services across 17 stations nationwide.
Managing the highest number of aircraft movements daily in Malaysia, GTR is committed to operational excellence, safety and customer satisfaction.
The company offers a full range of ground handling services, including passenger services, ramp services, baggage handling, aircraft services, and now private jet handling. GTR continually invests in technology and people to deliver world-class aviation support services that connect Malaysia to the world.

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