Malaysia’s aerospace industry received a major boost at the Paris Airshow 2025 with Global Turbine Asia (GTA) signing a strategic engine support contract with Europrop International (EPI), the original equipment manufacturer of the TP400-D6 engines powering the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) A400M fleet.
The new agreement cements GTA’s role as the only non-European company authorised to provide Level 1 and Level 2 (on-base) maintenance support for the TP400-D6 engines, marking a significant advancement in regional maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
Witnessed by Malaysia’s Defence Minister, YB Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, the contract was formalised by GTA’s executive chairman, Datuk Nonee Ashirin binti Datuk Mohd Radzi, and EPI president Catherine Poincheval.
“This partnership demonstrates the importance of strategic collaboration between OEMs and local Malaysian MRO providers,” said Datuk Nonee. “By combining Europrop International’s engineering expertise with Global Turbine Asia’s service capabilities, we are committed to support the RMAF’s operational requirements while advancing Malaysia’s position in the aerospace industry.”
Under the agreement, GTA will continue providing comprehensive MRO services, spare parts, and event-based engine support to maintain the operational readiness and long-term reliability of Malaysia’s A400M aircraft—one of South East Asia’s most advanced military airlift assets.
Catherine remarked, “Our partnership with GTA marks a significant step in strengthening support for the TP400-D6 engines and the RMAF’s A400M fleet.”
The deal not only strengthens Malaysia’s aerospace credentials but also signals increasing regional self-reliance in defence logistics and technical skill development. GTA, a Malaysian joint venture with France’s Safran Helicopter Engines, has grown since its inception in 2010 into a key player in Asia Pacific’s military and civil aviation MRO landscape.
By retaining direct access to RMAF engine support, GTA’s role is pivotal in elevating local industrial capacity in alignment with national defence priorities and ASEAN-wide aerospace ambitions.
The agreement arrives at a time when South East Asian nations are investing heavily in domestic aerospace and defence infrastructure. Malaysia’s leadership in engine MRO services enhances its ability to contribute not only to national defence but also to cross-border defence collaboration across the region.
The International Paris Air Show 2025 runs until 22 June at Le Bourget in Paris, France, gathering global aerospace industry players.