KOTA KINABALU: KKIP Aerospace Sdn Bhd has started training future aircraft technicians at its aerospace training centre ahead of the eventual return of normalcy of the travel and aviation industries.

The intake for its first batch of trainees will be in September under the Category A1 Aircraft Maintenance Technician programme.

During a site visit to the centre, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said they wanted to capture the opportunity now even though it was not a conducive time due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

We have a strategic location with close proximity to China, Kalimantan and other countries in the region.

Five years ago, a US$3 trillion target was set for the tourism industry (worldwide) but this was reduced due to Covid-19.

However once the situation changes, there will be a pick up and aircraft will be fully utilised again.

When airlines are revived, maintenance must be there. We need to start training them so we can overcome any shortage of aircraft engineers and technicians regionally, he told reporters on Friday (July 10).

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister cum State Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said KKIP Aerospace Training Centre is the first approved aircraft maintenance training centre in Malaysia, that has dual approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to conduct this particular training programme.

Graduates accorded with dual licensing will be able to work internationally, said Madius.

Also signed at the event were a memorandum of agreement between MASWings Sdn Bhd and Mega Aerospace Sdn Bhd.

Three memorandums of understanding were also signed between Layang Layang Aerospace and KKIP Aerospace Sdn Bhd; CAAC Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Mega Aerospace Centre; as well as Bataras and Industrial Development and Research Department.

The fourth collaboration is not within the aerospace industry but an add-on of an anchor-vendor development programme between Bataras and DIDR, said Madius.

It will see a fast track marketing programme of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Sabah to assist those affected by Covid-19.

Through this, DIDR will assist in the listing of Sabahs SME products to the local supermarket outlets of Bataras.

So far, 47 entrepreneurs with 86 products will undergo this programme involving 20 Bataras outlets statewide. Online registration is still open for those interested.

This is a good effort as Bataras will become their immediate platform to sell their products. It will help young entrepreneurs in Sabah, Shafie commented.

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KKIP Aerospace starts training programme for aviation technicians - The Star Online