KUALA LUMPUR: Leonardo SpA, an Italian global multinational aerospace, defence and security company, formerly Leonardo-Finmeccanica, is poised to grow its business presence in Malaysia with firm commitment to set up helicopter components repair services locally.
Leonardo Helicopters vice president Asia Pacific Global Sales, Vincenzo Alaimo said the plan is expected to materialise in phases by end of this year to support the repair services of Leonardo helicopters components.
“We believe this is the type of capability that can grow the Malaysia’s aviation sector with the development including the support and repair for helicopters components.
“Malaysia can tap into this service and Leonardo will provide its cooperation to local companies related to it,” he told NST Business in an exclusive interview, yesterday.
Alaimo said the enhanced capabilities are opportunities for Malaysia to develop the aviation ecosystem moving into the manufacture of helicopters components.
Alaimo said Leonardo is currently looking for local partnership to establish its local capability, focusing on the repair services helicopters component.
“For example, if we have some components that must be repaired such as landing gear or fuel pump – instead of sending back the components to Europe, we could to do it locally provided that the right skills are available,” he said.
“The capability is different from Leonardo’s maintenance, repair and overhaul facility here.
“We will establish commercial agreements with local companies. We don’t do it ourselves. But we qualify someone to do helicopters repair components for us.
“We also have different vendors for different components. Those companies must be specialised for different
helicopters components repair,” he said.
Leonardo generally supplies helicopters for private companies for VIPs charter services, oil and gas service providers, government agencies like the police, fire fighting department, army and navy.
For Leonardo aircraft division, the company is currently promoting the ATR-72 for maritime patrol mission and the M346, advanced fighter jet trainer in Malaysia.
Leonardo marketing and sales strategy, market development for sales aircraft division, Giovanni Timossi said these aircraft are the company’s priority for the Malaysian Armed Forces requirements.
“Malaysia-defence market is very important for the company to reinforce its presence.
“Malaysia has been historically important for us in the last 30-40 years, particularly for our fixed-winged aircraft like the trainer and also big customers for our helicopters division,” he said.