Airbus keen to set up aviation hub in Negri

SEREMBAN: One of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, Airbus, is keen on plans by the Negri Sembilan government to set up a 3,200ha aviation hub in Labu near here.

State Investment, Industrialisation, Entrepreneurship, Education and Human Capital Committee chairman Dr Mohamad Rafie Ab Malek said he met with AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes and representatives from Airbus and both sides were excited about the project.

“We had a tripartite meeting this morning at RedQ and it was a good one.

“You can expect to hear some very good news soon,” he said.

RedQ is Air Asia’s corporate headquarters located near KLIA2.

Prior to this, Dr Mohamad Rafie had proposed the setting up of the hub in the state due to its proximity with the KL International Airport and KLIA2.

He said the setting up of a hub in Labu near here also made sense since AirAsia was one of Airbus’ biggest customers.

Apart from being a finishing and assembly facility, the hub will also be a maintenance, repair and overhaul centre for AirAsia.

Dr Mohamad Rafie said the setting up of an aviation hub would not only spur growth in the state but it would also be beneficial to the nation.