Weststar announces Malaysian fleet order and new center of excellence

Weststar has confirmed that it will deliver up to 28 next-generation helicopters to the Malaysian government, in partnership with Leonardo.

The aircraft will be leased to the Malaysian government for a 15-year period, with deliveries primarily scheduled between 2026 and 2027. Leonardo will also provide localized support and training services for the fleet.

The mixed fleet will include a set of AW149s for use by the Royal Malaysian Air Force and Army, as well as other aircraft types for Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) and the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (Bomba).

The rotorcraft will be used to meet a broad range of “national defense, security, and emergency response needs”, including search and rescue (SAR), transport, law enforcement, firefighting, disaster relief, and emergency medical services (EMS).

“This is a historic milestone for Weststar and Malaysia,” said Dr Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, Chairman of Weststar Aviation. “We are proud to work alongside Leonardo to ensure the Malaysian government has the tools and technologies it needs to serve and protect our nation.”

A new aviation center of excellence

Weststar also confirmed that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Melaka State, with a view to developing a “comprehensive aviation center of excellence” at Melaka International Airport. The facility will include a helicopter flight training center, a helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hub, and a helicopter logistics hub. It will be located on a proposed 17.1-acre site at the airport.

The MoU outlines a two-year period to finalize all technical and commercial details relating to the planned facility.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency previously announced plans to acquire four AW189s for use in long-range search and rescue (SAR) missions last year.