Exchange Memorandum of Understanding at Invest Malaysia 2011 Conference, Abu Dhabi

30th January 2011, Abu Dhabi: Mubadala Aerospace and Malaysia's National Aerospace &Defence Industries Sdn Bhd (NADI) today exchanged a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), in the presence of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, The Honourable Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, and H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority. The exchange took place at Invest Malaysia 2011 conference, at the Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi.

Mubadala Aerospace, driving the development of Abu Dhabi's aerospace industry to establish the Emirate as a global aerospace hub, was represented by Homaid Al Shemmari, Executive Director of Mubadala Aerospace, at the event, whilst NADI, established by the government of Malaysia in 1983 to consolidate key aerospace and defence related activities, was represented by Tan Sri Ahmad Bin Johan, President of NADI.

The parties will explore mutually beneficial opportunities in the areas of joint metallic and composite aerostructures design, manufacturing and assembly, as well as the potential implementation of joint training programs for aerospace engineers and technicians.

Furthermore, Mubadala Aerospace and NADI will explore joint defence and commercial maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) cross-referral and partnership opportunities. This is part of Mubadala Aerospace's strategy to identify locations for the potential expansion of its MRO network in Asia, connecting it with its existing hubs in the Middle East and Europe. The MoU is focused on the identification and development of opportunities, but does not include any specific commitments for cross-investment by either party at this stage.

Homaid Al Shemmari, Executive Director of Mubadala Aerospace, said: "The agreement announced today shows the continuing progress being made to establish global partnerships which will support growth for Mubadala Aerospace across a number of core streams. Governmental cooperation agreements in important geographies such as Malaysia complement our tie-ups with world leading private sector companies as we drive forward the development of Abu Dhabi as a global aerospace hub, and create future educational and employment opportunities in the Emirate.

Tan Sri Ahmad Bin Johan, President of NADI, said: "We are delighted to have signed this agreement with Mubadala Aerospace. Malaysia and Abu Dhabi share the same values and ambitions, and this commitment to explore partnership opportunities in the aerospace sector makes strategic and economic sense for both Mubadala Aerospace and NADI, given Malaysia's strategic location and established aviation industry.

-Ends-

About Mubadala Aerospace
Mubadala Aerospace, a business unit of Mubadala Development Company, is driving the development of Abu Dhabi's aerospace industry to establish the Emirate as a global aerospace hub. 

Through partnerships with world leading companies such as Boeing, EADS, Finmeccanica, GE and Sikorsky Mubadala Aerospace has combined global expertise and local resources to develop an advanced, technology-driven aerospace industry in Abu Dhabi.  

Mubadala is building the industry around composite aerostructures and OEM manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and pilot training. These sectors are underpinned with education & training initiatives to create job opportunities for the local population and develop a highly skilled workforce, with research & development facilities being established to place Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the global aerospace industry.  

Flagship projects include Strata, the advanced composites aerostructures manufacturing plant (ii)Sanad, the component and engine leasing company that works in partnership with Mubadala's Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies and SR Technics to deliver integrated MRO services to a global customer base and (iii) the Advanced Military Maintenance Repair Overhaul Center (AMMROC),[the aviation MRO services provider in the emirate. 

About National Aerospace & Defence Industries
National Aerospace & Defence Industries (NADI) was formed in 1983 and restructured in 2001 to consolidate some of the aerospace and defence related activities set up by the Government of Malaysia.

AIROD is an MRO company within the NADI Group with capabilities for aircraft maintenance and modification, engine overhaul and repair, aero component overhaul and repair, avionic workshop and precision measuring equipment laboratory (PMEL). 

AIROD has recently expanded on its' range of services in the areas of modification and upgrades. This expansion is as a result of collaboration with various OEMs and internationally established partners. Such collaboration develops technological knowhow not only for AIROD but also for the Malaysian Aerospace Industry. 

AIROD Technopower (ATP) was incorporated in 1995 as a joint venture with WG TurbopowerInc, a globally recognized engine repair station that is also Rolls Royce Authorised Maintenance Centre.  ATP is a complete engine maintenance, repair and overhaul of Rolls Royce T56 engines fitted on C-130 aircraft.

Aerospace Technology System Corp (ATSC) was established in 1995 is the maintenance, repair and overhaul for the Mig-29 aircraft.  ATSC has ready complete facilities and backed by experience in fighter aircraft maintenance and upgrade. ATSC also has the experience in dealing with other Russian Equipment & Technology. 

SME Ordnance (SMEO) incorporated in 1969 is involved in the manufacture and supply of small, medium and large calibre ammunition, shotgun cartridges and pyrotechnics products, refurbishment of old ammunition and bombs, wood based products and engineering plastic products and metal boxes. The products produced by SMEO are in compliance to Military Standard which is accepted worldwide.

SME Aerospace (SMEA) is a metal based manufacturer of aircraft parts, components and assemblies.   SMEA have manufactured parts, components and assemblies either through Tier 1 supplier or direct to the two largest Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Airbus (EADS) and Boeing.  These capabilities put SME Aerospace at the forefront of developing and sustaining a world-class commercial aerospace industry in Malaysia. 

Media Contacts:
Rashed Al Harmoodi
Mubadala Development Company
E: ralharmoodi@mubadala.ae
M: +971 (0)50 657 8686

Salam Kitmitto
Edelman Public Relations
E: salam.kitmitto@edelman.com
M:  +971 (0)50 800 8268

© Press Release 2011