Batik Air has formalised a strategic partnership with MARA Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MARA Corp), marking a forward-looking collaboration to strengthen Malaysia’s aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) landscape while cultivating a new generation of skilled aviation professionals.
The Letter of Intent (LOI) was exchanged between Batik Air Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, and MARA Corp Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Amir Azhar Ibrahim. The ceremony took place in conjunction with MARA’s 60th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur and was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Also in attendance were MARA Chairman, Dato’ Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki; Director-General of MARA and Chairman of MARA Corporation, Dato’ Zulfikri Osman; founder of Lion Air Group, Pak Rusdi Kirana; along with key representatives from both organisations and industry stakeholders.
Through this partnership, Batik Air will explore the establishment of base maintenance operations at Subang’s hangar facilities, leveraging existing infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and technical capabilities. The collaboration also includes plans to assess and reposition Asia Aerotechnic Sdn. Bhd. (AAT) as part of a broader effort to strengthen Malaysia’s MRO ecosystem.
Talent development forms a central pillar of the initiative. Batik Air plans to onboard up to 200 students from MARA Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) over a four-year period into the CAAM Part 66 Licensed Aircraft Engineer programme. This pathway combines structured training at UniKL MIAT, phased financial support, and clear employment prospects upon certification—creating a steady pipeline of industry-ready professionals.
Batik Air Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, said: “This partnership reflects a strategic step in aligning Batik Air’s operational priorities with the long-term needs of the aviation industry. As the sector continues to evolve, strengthening technical capabilities and investing in talent are essential to sustaining growth.
“The planned expansion of our maintenance presence in Subang, together with a structured approach to developing future engineers, positions Batik Air to contribute more meaningfully to Malaysia’s aviation ecosystem. It is about building capacity today while preparing the workforce of tomorrow.”
MARA Corp Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Amir Azhar Ibrahim said, “As MARA commemorates six decades of nation-building, this strategic collaboration reflects MARA Corp Group’s continued commitment to advancing Malaysia’s high-value aviation industry through capability building, industry partnerships and talent development. Together with Batik Air, we aim to position Malaysia as a competitive regional hub for MRO excellence.”
He added that the collaboration represents a significant step in reinforcing MARA Corp’s aviation portfolio, while unlocking long-term value through strategic industry alignment, operational enhancement and workforce readiness.
The LOI establishes a framework for deeper collaboration, including the potential for a joint venture or shareholders’ agreement, interim management arrangements, and future infrastructure development to support the continued growth of Malaysia’s aviation sector.
