SUBANG: Japan’s Mitsui Fudosan Group and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) are investing RM80 million in a new aerospace logistics complex at Subang Airport amid growing demand for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services in Asia-Pacific.
The Subang MRO Logistics Complex is being developed by MFMA Industrial Sdn Bhd, a joint venture in which Mitsui Fudosan holds a 70% stake and MAHB the remaining 30%, while the land remains under MAHB’s ownership.
Built on a 4.42-acre site within Subang Aerotech Park, the facility will provide about 254,420 sq ft of gross floor area and multiple tenancy options for aviation, aerospace and logistics operators.
The project is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2027, with operations targeted to commence in the fourth quarter of the same year.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the facility is specifically designed to support MRO operators looking to establish a presence within the Subang Airport ecosystem.
“This logistics complex has been built specifically for MRO companies to come and operate within the vicinity of Subang Airport. This forms part of our mission to make Malaysia an MRO hub for the aerospace industry,” he told reporters after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony today.
Loke said the partnership model allowed MAHB to leverage private sector expertise while reducing risk.
“Malaysia Airports is primarily an airport operator, but it also owns strategic land surrounding airports. Therefore, we are always looking for strategic partners that possess experience and expertise in their respective fields. In this particular case, I understand that Mitsui has this expertise.”
Loke said Mitsui develops and operates similar airport logistics facilities in Japan, including at Haneda Airport.
“This arrangement helps us in two ways. Firstly, the risks borne by Malaysia Airports can be minimised. Secondly, Malaysia Airports is able to work together with a strategic partner that already has the relevant experience. As a result, the returns to Malaysia Airports become more secure and more assured.”
He added that the project reflects growing investor interest in Malaysia’s aerospace sector, particularly in Subang.
“There has been significant interest coming into Malaysia, particularly into Subang. I have personally been here several times officiating different facilities and projects. There will be more interest and investment coming from MRO operators, particularly from the aerospace industry but also from the business aviation sector,” Loke said.
He added that the development is a positive sign for the aerospace sector that would create employment opportunities, particularly in aerospace engineering and technical and vocational education and training-related fields.
Mitsui Fudosan (Asia) Malaysia managing director Masayoshi Saito said “Malaysia possesses a strong geographical advantage as a potential logistics hub within Asean.
Furthermore, Subang MRO Logistics Complex is located within Subang Aerotech Park, a leading hub for the aerospace and business aviation industries, while also offering excellent connectivity to Kuala Lumpur city centre.”
MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said, “The Subang MRO Logistics Complex Project broadens our real estate proposition within Subang Aerotech Park. In addition to land sublease and build-to-suit offerings, we are now introducing a ready-built, multi-tenant facility that provides greater flexibility for aviation, aerospace and logistics operators seeking efficient and scalable space solutions.”
The development, he added, caters to a wide spectrum of businesses, from established industry players requiring rapid market entry to SMEs seeking smaller footprints at competitive market rates.
“Together with our partner Mitsui Fudosan, we are widening the range of options available within the park to create an environment that supports long-term industry growth, attract quality investment and further strengthen Subang’s position as a centre for aerospace, business aviation and aviation support services,” Mohd Izani said.
About 50% of the facility has already been negotiated with prospective customers, according to Loke.
