Plans for a new aerospace centre in Malaysia were announced at the recent Farnborough International Airshow.

Known as Asia Aerospace City (AAC), it will be designed as a smart city comprising a range of integrated facilities — including offices, cutting-edge research and development facilities, academic campuses, a convention centre and residential space — and focus on the aerospace engineering services business.

It will be based in Kuala Lumpur and run by Mara Aerospace & Technologies (M-AeroTech), a Malaysian government agency, together with Aerospace Malaysian Innovation Centre (AMIC).

Researchers from The University of Nottingham’s Malaysian Campus (UNMC), will work alongside staff from AMIC and contribute through R&D in the areas of composite manufacturing, tooling and manufacturing automation.

Professor Andrew Chan, who is the academic lead from the UNMC, said: “This is a major milestone in our research profile and a true recognition of our research capabilities in aerospace engineering.

“We are truly honoured to be entrusted with this opportunity by the Malaysian government and we shall be doing our best in our contribution towards the aerospace industry developments in Malaysia.”