Aircraft Propeller Service (APS) is making a strategic investment in Malaysia’s workforce by sending 20 recruits out of its 30-member team to the U.S. and Brazil for comprehensive skills training. The recruits are preparing to support operations at APS’ upcoming MRO facility in Kuala Lumpur, which is set to open early next year.
Half of the recruits are currently training at APS’ headquarters in Lake Zurich, Illinois, while the others are undergoing hands-on learning at APS’ facility in São Paulo, Brazil. This dual-location approach provides trainees with deep exposure to APS’ rigorous quality standards and technical expertise. After completing their international assignments, the recruits will continue with additional on-site training at the Kuala Lumpur facility.
APS holds the only license agreement with Collins Aerospace to perform proprietary 568F propeller repairs in Asia and the Americas.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on being an employer of choice,” says Daniel Colbert, CEO of APS. “Our people are our most important asset, and by investing in their development, we ensure they grow with the company, helping us maintain the high standards of excellence that our customers have come to expect.”
The training programme also includes 31 mandatory online courses, ranging from three to eight hours each, to ensure staff are fully equipped to meet evolving industry demands. To date, APS has achieved a 100% success rate in these programs, reflecting the dedication and talent of its workforce. This extensive training will certify APS’ technicians in a wide variety of specialised processes, ensuring they have the technical skills needed to uphold APS’ reputation for excellence.
The upcoming Kuala Lumpur facility will focus on MRO services for ATR 72 and Airbus C295 propellers as a lead-in capability, with plans to expand its capabilities over time. The ATR 72 is widely used by regional airlines, while the C295 primarily serves military transport needs.
“We chose Kuala Lumpur not only for its strategic location and established infrastructure, but also for its access to a motivated and educated labor pool,” Colbert says. “The decision to train our Malaysian personnel in the US and Brazil underscores our commitment to ensuring that the new facility operates with the same level of excellence that has made APS a trusted name in the MRO industry for decades.”
The comprehensive training the new recruits are receiving overseas includes vocational training in a class-room setting and practical hands-on skills training in the workshop. The benefit to customers in having a propeller MRO in-region is significantly reduced turnaround times, allowing aircraft operators to benefit from quicker service and minimised downtime. Asia-Pacific is the world’s largest market for ATR aircraft, with 37% of the total ATR fleet, and experts predicting that the region, excluding China, will need almost 1,000 additional turboprop aircraft over the next 20 years to meet the increasing demand for regional connectivity.
“Asia-Pacific is experiencing strong growth in the turboprop market,” says Colbert. “Our Kuala Lumpur facility puts us in the heart of this growth, allowing us to serve operators more efficiently and effectively. This is a major opportunity for us to strengthen our presence in the region and support our customers as they expand their fleets.”
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