KUALA LUMPUR: The aerospace and low-altitude economy (LAE) segments can potentially generate RM100bil in revenue by 2035, driven by emerging opportunities, according to the National Aerospace Industry Corp Malaysia.
Its chief executive officer, Shamsul Kamar Abu Samah, said the country’s aerospace industry generated RM35.2bil in revenue in 2025, an increase of about 180% from 2020, as reported by Bernama.
He said both the LAE and the aerospace segments are currently supported by existing aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities, as well as systems integration expertise.
“We acknowledge that these two segments will boost high-cost, high-value economic activities in the country,” he said during a panel discussion titled “Shaping Malaysia’s Low Altitude Economy: Building a National LAE Strategy” at the Low Altitude Economy Forum 2026 organised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia.
Shamsul Kamar said the country’s aerospace industry is targeted to achieve RM55.2bil in revenue by 2030, but the figure could potentially exceed RM70bil.
“If we allocate RM30bil to the LAE over the next five years and successfully overcome all the obstacles by establishing the necessary regulatory framework, the sector could generate an additional RM30bil by 2035, bringing the total value of the aerospace and LAE segments to more than RM100bil,” he said.
To further drive the LAE segment in the region, another panellist, Beijing‑based venture capital firm Future Capital managing director Lai Han Sheong, said Malaysia should leverage its strengths in electrical and electronics, semiconductors and electric vehicle assembly to position itself within the sector.
“Malaysia should strategically select its initial path to become involved in the LAE, namely by positioning itself as Asean’s testbed for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft and attracting manufacturers from around the world, including the United States, Europe and China,” he added.