PETALING JAYA: Mara Corporation Sdn Bhd (Mara Corp) has formalised a strategic partnership with Batik Air through the exchange of a letter of intent (LoI), marking a significant milestone in strengthening Malaysia’s aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities and human capital development pipeline.
The LoI exchange ceremony was held in conjunction with Majlist Amanah Rakyat’s (Mara) 60th anniversary gala dinner at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The LoI was signed by MaraCorp acting group CEO Datuk Amir Azhar Ibrahim and Batik Air CEO Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy.
Both parties intend to explore the restructuring of Asia Aerotechnic Sdn Bhd, alongside the establishment of a long-term partnership in aviation MRO and the development of a sustainable aviation talent pipeline.
A key component of the initiative includes Batik Air’s intention to establish base maintenance operations at the hangar facilities in Subang, leveraging existing infrastructure and technical capabilities to enhance operational readiness and capacity.
In addition, the partnership places strong emphasis on human capital development, with Batik Air committing to recruit up to 200 Mara Junior Science College students over four years into the CAAM Part 66 licensed aircraft engineer programme. This initiative will be supported through structured training at UniKL MIAT, financial sponsorship in the later years, and potential employment opportunities upon successful certification, further strengthening Malaysia’s aviation talent ecosystem.
Amir Azhar said, “As Mara commemorates six decades of nation-building, this strategic collaboration reflects Mara Corp Group’s continued commitment to advancing Malaysia’s high-value aviation industry through capability building, industry partnerships and talent development. Together with Batik Air, we aim to position Malaysia as a competitive regional hub for MRO excellence.”
He added that the collaboration represents a significant step in reinforcing Mara Corp’s aviation portfolio, while unlocking long-term value through strategic industry alignment, operational enhancement and workforce readiness.
This LoI also sets the foundation for a potential joint venture or shareholders’ agreement, including interim management arrangements and long-term infrastructure development to support the growth of Malaysia’s aviation sector.
