AIRBUS: MALAYSIA TO LEAD ASEAN AIR TRAVEL RECOVERY
‘This will have strong multiplier effect on trade, economic activities in region’
MALAYSIA is poised to play a key role and lead the air travel recovery in Asean, backed by the strong presence of low-cost carriers, enabling more people to fly post-Covid-19.
Airbus SE sees encouraging demand for air travel and connection that would in turn draw airlines to resume operations and activities.
Airbus Asia-Pacific president Anand Stanley said demand for air travel would be higher in the region and airlines would have a strong role to resume and meet the demand.
“This will have a strong multiplier effect on trade and economic activities in the region,” Stanley said yesterday.
Airbus encouraged the reopening of borders, especially at the Asean level, once domestic travel opened, he said.
“Therefore, regional traffic can start to recover quickly, followed by intercontinental or long-haul travel.”
Airbus recently said it expected medium-haul air travel to recover by 2023.
Stanley said Airbus would focus on working with its customers (airlines and suppliers) to allow them to be ready for the post-pandemic world.
He said Airbus would emphasise its commitment (industrial collaboration and procurement) to Malaysia in meeting the global industrial output post-pandemic.
He said Malaysia was the third largest industrial hub in Asia Pacific after China and India for the airframe manufacturer.
Stanley said Airbus’ local activities and procurements were not at the pre-pandemic levels. This impacted its industrial operation globally.
Last year, he said Airbus had about a 40 per cent reduction in global production.
“As of Dec 31 last year, Airbus delivered 566 units of commercial aircraft. We would like to not just sustain it, but also grow it beyond those pre-pandemic commitments and investments.”
Stanley said Airbus’ commitment to its local partners remained unchanged, while affirming its intention to retain employment in Malaysia, which currently stands at about 4,000 people (direct and indirect).