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Sunrise industry: Maintenance Repair and Overhaul to hit USD65 billion in 2020

Published by Afterschool.my on Jan 25, 2013, 12:08 pm

While stories about jobless pilots keeps appearing on the news, another side of aviation is gaining momentum. MRO or known as Maintenance Repair and Overhaul is predicted to be one of the country’s promising industries with a forecast value of USD65 billion by 2020.

According to observers, this industry growth is underpinned by the rapid fleet modernization, global air cargo market and growth in air travel across the region.In Malaysia, low cost air travel is becoming an important driver of the country’s tourism and is made evident by the growing number of airlines being housed by the country’s terminals – KLIA and LCCT.

This market however could face shortage of aircraft technicians and engineers in the next decade.

American plane maker, Boeing forecasts that global demand for aircraft technicians and engineers will hit 243,500 by 2030. In Southeast Asia alone, about 67,400 technicians will be needed. Statistics for the demand is based on the number of aircraft each company has, new aircraft orders and new airports being built in the region.

Boeing was quoted saying that airlines in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines have placed orders for hundreds of planes over the past year.

Addressing MRO industry needs by providing talented

Realising the huge potential MRO can bring, Nilai University was among the first institutions in the country to offer a Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering whose syllabus prepares students for the all-important European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) B1-1 license examinations. This has course received validation to be a pathway towards a BSc (Hons) in Aircraft Engineering from Kingston University.

After completing the one-year top up programme and the necessary bridging modules, successful students will be conferred a BSc (Hons) in Aircraft Engineering from Kingston University, which is internationally-recognised and will allow students to pursue a MSc in Aircraft Engineering in the UK.Nilai University’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Prof Dato’ Dr Sothi Rachagan (right; see insert photo) stressed that this degree programme is aimed at the studentswho are keen to go far in the field of aircraft maintenance engineering.“Of course, the EASA license is going to be the main qualification in this industry. This top up degree is for those who aim to climb the career ladder and want to be eligible for supervisory and management positions in the future,” explains Dr Sothi.“We believe it is easier for a student to complete his or her studies at one go, and then concentrate on getting the necessary work experience to get the EASA license. After all, the top-up degree is just an additional year while it will take three to five years to get the EASA license.”Most of Nilai University students are retained by industry partners and this reflects the healthy demand for skilled and qualified aircraft maintenance engineers.“This is also a highly rewarding field to be in. A person is essentially going to be responsible for aircraft worth hundreds of millions of dollars and whether or not it leaves the ground. Most importantly, it is about the safety of the persons who will be on the flight. It can be a very lucrative career. Having a degree will certainly help a person better perform the job and ensure upwards mobility,” said Dr Sothi.For more information on Nilai U and programmes available, please go to www.nilai.edu.my or call 06-8502308 / 03-79603089 / 07-2262336.Photo caption: (Kingston Uni & Nilai U): (L-R) Dr Peter Barrington (Head of Kingston University’s School of Aerospace Engineering) formalising the top up pathway with Dato’ Dr Sothi Rachagan (Nilai U Vice President of Academic Affairs).
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