KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor Aviation Show (SAS) 2021 is expected to kick-start the aviation sector's recovery by bringing together industry players and operators to revitalise the sector post-pandemic.
Selangor state government senior executive councillor Datuk Teng Chang Khim said the positive outlook is backed by a high rate of vaccination locally together with mandated standard operating procedures (SOPs) that are currently being implemented.
"We are confident November 2021 would be the right timing for us to hit the industry 'reset' button and to try to get all the players and operators who were affected by the pandemic to come out and resume doing business like it once used to be," he said at a press conference after officiating the opening ceremony to kick-off the SAS 2021, here today.
He said the aviation industry requires a catalyst to stimulate growth, despite the unwavering support given by federal and state governments to ensure operators can operate during the pandemic.
"It is important for us to give necessary regulations to avoid supply chain disruption and to boost the morale of the industry," he said.
Teng however said that the sector's complete recovery will be contingent on the reopening of international borders, allowing for cross-border business activity.
"However, we are unable to determine the full extent of recovery due to the global uncertainty," he said.
Teng believes Selangor has the potential to attract investments in the manufacturing and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) to reinforce the existing ecosystem and become a regional hub for the business aviation and aerospace sector.
He said Invest Selangor would be able to assist investors in obtaining manufacturing and certification licences as well as identifying land for development.
Selangor aspires to enhance its position as the manufacturing and MRO hubs in Serendah, Subang Airport and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Moving forward, Teng said the state government is serious about pushing the business and general aviation agenda, especially at Subang Airport and in Selangor.