SELANGOR – AIROD Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s premier aerospace Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider, commemorated four decades of collaboration with Lockheed Martin Corporation, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the C-130 Hercules aircraft, during a reciprocal appreciation ceremony held at its Subang facility.
The event underscored the enduring partnership between the two organisations and their shared commitment to sustaining the operational readiness of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and global Hercules operators.
Established in 1976, AIROD was Malaysia’s first depot-level maintenance centre dedicated to supporting the RMAF’s C-130 fleet. Over the years, the company has expanded its expertise to include airframe, engine, avionics, and structural services, ensuring the availability of Malaysia’s strategic airlift capability.
Since its inception, AIROD has completed heavy maintenance and overhaul work on more than 150 RMAF C-130 aircraft, enabling the fleet to support military operations, humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and national security tasks.
The partnership deepened in 1984 when AIROD was corporatised through a joint venture between Aerospace Industries Malaysia and Lockheed Aircraft Systems International.
Two years later, AIROD became a Lockheed Martin Authorised Hercules Service Centre, a recognition that cemented its role as a trusted provider of depot-level maintenance and specialist upgrades.
By 1995, AIROD had transitioned into a wholly Malaysian-owned company while continuing to serve international operators.
Speaking at the ceremony, AIROD Chief Executive Officer Major General Dato Ir. Ibrahim bin Bahari highlighted the significance of the collaboration.
“For four decades, we have shared knowledge, technology, and commitment to excellence, ensuring the operational readiness of the C-130 fleet for Malaysia and our international clients,” he said.
Mark Jarvis, Lockheed Martin Director and Program Manager for International Sustainment Programmes, echoed this sentiment.
“Celebrating four decades of partnership with AIROD highlights the enduring strength of our collaboration and the shared commitment to keeping the C-130 Hercules fleet at the forefront of operational readiness,” he remarked.
AIROD’s international engagements have further demonstrated its technical capabilities. In 2011, the company assisted the Royal Thai Air Force in restoring its C-130 fleet following severe flooding in Bangkok.
Four years later, AIROD successfully recovered and upgraded five Indonesian Air Force aircraft, a project that involved major structural restoration and retrofit works.
Between 1990 and 2005, AIROD also supported the United States Air Force Pacific Air Forces fleet, while from 2015 to 2019, it delivered maintenance for the United States Marine Corps KC-130J aircraft in Japan.
Beyond depot-level services, AIROD has developed a Global Line Services capability, deploying teams worldwide to provide crash recovery, battle damage repair, and technical assistance.
These services have been delivered across more than 35 countries, including Australia, Italy, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.
Headquartered in Subang, AIROD has served over 76 customers globally and remains one of the region’s leading aerospace MRO providers.
Lockheed Martin, meanwhile, continues to advance defence technology and innovation, with the C-130 Hercules recognised as one of the most widely used military transport aircraft worldwide.
The ceremony in Subang not only celebrated past achievements but also reaffirmed both organisations’ commitment to future collaboration, ensuring that the Hercules fleet remains a cornerstone of air mobility for Malaysia and international partners.
