GTA: Aiming To Lead Engine MRO In SEA And Beyond

GLOBAL Turbine Asia chairman Nonee Ashirin Mohd Radzi shares her vision for the company with ADJ Today.

ADJ: How has GTA evolved under your leadership in recent years, and what is your strategic vision for its next phase of growth?

NA: Under my leadership, GTA has evolved from being a niche maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) player to becoming a strategic partner for both the regional defence and civil aviation sectors. The next phase of our growth will focus on technological innovation, regional expansion, and enhancing workforce capabilities to meet the increasing demand.

Since assuming the role of executive chairman, my primary focus has been to ensure that GTA not only maintains technical excellence but also stays strategically aligned with Malaysia’s long-term industrial and defence goals. Over the past few years, GTA has developed into a mature, high-performance MRO organisation, delivering consistent, safe outcomes for our clients while solidifying our position within the local aerospace ecosystem.

We are expanding our engine capabilities and actively collaborating with government bodies at both the local and national levels to ensure that our growth and operations align with broader industrial and defence policies. In addition, we are strengthening our operational governance. More importantly, we have invested in developing local talent, building a resilient and adaptable team that is well-equipped to scale regionally.

Looking ahead, my vision is clear: to transform GTA into Southeast Asia’s preferred engine MRO centre of excellence, underpinned by world-class services, state-of-the-art facilities, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships. The next phase of our growth will focus on regional expansion, increasing in-country capabilities, and supporting Malaysia’s ambition to become a regional aviation and aerospace powerhouse.

ADJ: With ambitions to become the leading MRO partner in ASEAN and the wider Asia-Pacific, what are the key pillars of GTA’s expansion strategy?

NA: GTA’s expansion strategy is built on four key pillars, each aimed at positioning the company as the leading MRO partner in the region:

– Innovation: By investing in research and development, digitalisation (Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and so on), and smart engineering, GTA is driving aerospace industry advancements. These innovations not only set the company apart as a leader in MRO services but also attract top talent and foster future growth in ASEAN aerospace.

– Partnership: Strategic collaborations with government agencies and industry leaders ensure that GTA’s growth is aligned with national and regional priorities. These partnerships help develop talent, impact industry policy, and position Malaysia at the forefront of the global aerospace sector, strengthening GTA’s role as a key player in MRO.

– Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: The company’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce supports its goal of becoming a leader in the MRO industry. By breaking down barriers and creating an environment where all talent can thrive, GTA is building a more innovative, resilient, and future-ready organisation.

– Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): GTA’s CSR efforts, including investment in education, community development and workforce empowerment, ensure that the company contributes to the social fabric of Malaysia and beyond. By empowering underserved groups, such as veterans, youth and women to enter the aerospace sector, the company strengthens its talent pool and enhances its reputation as a responsible leader in the MRO space.

ADJ: In an increasingly crowded aerospace MRO landscape, how does your company position itself to stand out both domestically and regionally?

NA: Our positioning is unique. We are a defence-capable engine specialist with extensive experience in high-performance rotorcraft and transport aircraft engines. We offer clients the assurance of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards, local proximity, and alignment with national priorities – an exceptional combination that few can match. Our responsiveness, reliability and ability to customise solutions also differentiate us, particularly in the military sector where minimising downtime is critical.

Furthermore, we are the strategic partner of Safran Helicopter Engines, which strengthens our position as a global leader in aerospace. This partnership allows us to introduce the latest tools, knowledge and methodologies to the Malaysian context. In essence, GTA combines the best of global expertise with a deep commitment to local needs.

ADJ: What is your outlook for the civil and defence MRO sectors this year – in Malaysia, across Asia-Pacific, and globally?

NA: The aerospace MRO sector is entering a robust recovery phase globally. In civil aviation, the growth of air travel post-pandemic is driving a significant increase in demand for engine maintenance. Operators are also becoming more cost-conscious, which gives a competitive edge to regional players like GTA. Malaysia is well-positioned to become a regional MRO hub, and GTA is poised to take a leadership role in this space. We anticipate more cross-border collaborations and growing interest from foreign operators seeking reliable partners in the Asia-Pacific region.

ADJ: How is GTA leveraging innovation and emerging technologies to future-proof its operations and deliver greater value to clients?

NA: Innovation is no longer optional in the aerospace industry; it is a prerequisite for competitiveness. At GTA, we are future-proofing our operations through data integration, smart diagnostics, and automation. 

We are developing a digital MRO initiative that will enable real-time service tracking, provide predictive maintenance insights, and facilitate smarter planning for our customers. Internally, we are digitising workflows and exploring the use of Augmented Reality-based tools to enhance training and inspection processes.

Beyond digitalisation, we are also rethinking sustainability by optimising material usage, reducing waste and lowering our environmental footprint. All of this is part of our broader vision to evolve from a traditional MRO provider into a smart, agile and environmentally responsible aerospace company.

ADJ: How is GTA aligning its growth with Malaysia’s national aerospace agenda, and what role do you see the company playing in advancing the local ecosystem?

NA: GTA is aligned with Malaysia’s Aerospace Blueprint 2030, particularly in advancing localisation efforts and skills development initiatives. We are committed to supporting Malaysia’s aspirations by contributing to the enhancement of the national aerospace ecosystem. This includes driving job creation, facilitating technology transfer, and positioning Malaysia as a regional MRO hub of excellence.