by Theleaders | September 5, 2026 1:11 pm
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 5 — GTA Holdings Bhd (GTA), a provider of aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, intends to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) after its listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia.
This new facility aims to enhance its research and development (R&D), training, and technological capabilities within the MRO sector.
Its managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Nonee Ashirin Mohd Radzi said the post-listing development plan would enable GTA to position itself as a key industry player supported by its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners, while contributing towards Malaysia’s self-reliance in the defence industry.
“The CoE will allow us to position ourselves as a key player in research and technology, with the backing of our OEM partners. We are going to invest in a new facility that will perhaps include R&D and training programmes, within which there will be a CoE.
“The plan is part of our National Defence Industry Policy (NDIP), as we are encouraged to have greater self-reliance through the development of local capabilities and technology transfer,” she told Bernama in an exclusive interview recently.
Nonee Ashirin said the company is exploring investment in a Level 4 test bench and the necessary equipment, including the Hydromechanical Unit (HMU).
The HMU is a component of the helicopter engine that regulates the flow of oil into the turbine.
“The HMU is a highly specialised capability that is typically retained by OEMs, as they are generally reluctant to transfer this expertise to third parties.
“However, we are currently in negotiations and, hopefully, we will be able to proceed with the investment. I cannot disclose the cost at this stage as discussions are still ongoing,” she said.
Strengthening relations with Mindef, defence sector
Nonee Ashirin emphasised that GTA remained committed to strengthening its core capabilities in the MRO sector, developing additional areas, such as landing gear, wheels and brakes, mainly by maintaining a good relationship with the Ministry of Defence (Mindef).
She emphasised that GTA has over a decade of experience serving Mindef and establishing trust with the Malaysian Armed Forces.
“We are well positioned as such because of the trust we have built with our customers over the years. The OEM understands that we have a very good relationship and that we have built up the technical expertise. So, we have become the sole provider for the OEM in Malaysia.
“We are also investing in increasing our human capital development. This will further strengthen our ability to support the operational requirements of our customers as Malaysia’s aerospace and defence needs to evolve,” said Nonee Ashirin.
Brunei MRO expansion
On regional expansion, Nonee Ashirin said the company has secured its position as distributor in Brunei, engaging primarily with the Royal Brunei Air Force.
“The Royal Brunei Air Force operates six helicopters, with each helicopter powered by two engines, which means there are 12 engines in Brunei that we will be looking to support,” she said.
GTA is slated for listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia on Sept 8, 2026, and aims to raise RM71.75 million from its initial public offering (IPO).
The IPO comprises the issuance of 329 million shares in GTA, consisting of a public issue of 205 million new ordinary shares and 124 million existing shares at an issue price of 35 sen per share.
With an enlarged share capital of 1.29 billion shares, GTA’s total market capitalisation upon listing is expected to be approximately RM451.97 million.
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