Local firm to design, make wing parts for Airbus mega-jumbo

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A local firm has sealed an RM800 million contract with Airbus Industrie to design and manufacture wing components for its future mega-jumbo A380, reports said Friday.

With the pact, Composites Technology Research Malaysia (CTRM), a unit of the Minister of Finance Inc., a government investment arm, became the first partner in Southeast Asia for the European consortium, The Star daily said.

CTRM will design and manufacture fixed leading-edge lower wing panels for the 555-seater A380 jet, which is due to come into use by 2006.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who witnessed the signing ceremony Thursday at the CTRM plant in Melaka, has described it as a dream come true for Malaysia after setting up CTRM 12 years ago.

He was quoted by the New Straits Times as saying the event marked a new milestone in Malaysia's capability in aircraft production.

"We are not too adventurous to compete with you (Airbus). We will try and bring down your cost and will try to benefit you as you have benefited us," he said.

New aircraft

The premier, who is also finance minister, also said the government was seriously considering acquiring new aircraft models such as the A380 for national carrier Malaysia Airlines.

"We will acquire some aircraft, for instance the Airbus A380 or some other models of Airbus for our airlines to further enhance its performance," he said.

Airbus has secured 97 orders for the A380 model so far, with Singapore Airlines and Dubai's Emirates to be the first carriers to use the mega-jumbo, The Star said. AFP



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