Malaysia's National Aerospace and Defence Industries (NADI) conglomerate plans to launch a commercial maintenance, repair and overhaul business in 2013 to support its joint venture airline, Malindo Airways.
A spokesman says the company is working on plans for a commercial MRO operation, but could not provide further details on where it will be based and its scope of operations.
However, he says that it will commence operations in March 2013, and that its main objective will be supporting Malindo.
NADI is understood to have already recruited a number of former staff from rival Malaysia Airlines' subsidiary MAS Engineering and Maintenance to help start the commercial MRO business.
Malindo, which is 51% owned by NADI and 49% owned by Indonesian carrier Lion Air, plans to start flying in March 2013 and will be based at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
The airline plans to operate a fleet of 12 Boeing 737-900ERs by the end of 2013, and will initially service domestic routes in Malaysia, before expanding to a number of destinations in Southeast Asia and beyond.
NADI is a conglomerate involved in aerospace businesses such as engine modifications and upgrades, aerospace parts manufacturing and avionics. Its sole MRO business, Airod, is largely focused on supporting military and business aircraft.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
