Story ID: 
HondaJet Service Center Opens in Southeast Asia
By: Jennifer Meszaros
Caption: KarbonMRO in Kuala Lumpur will be the sole provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Word Count: 450
HondaJet operators in Southeast Asia now have access to improved support with the opening of an authorized service center (ASC) in Kuala Lumpur by local company KarbonMRO. The opening came after Malaysian aviation authorities issued approval to maintain the type to KarbonMRO’s parent company, the Dviation Group, and the move cements its role as the sole ASC for HondaJet operators in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Dviation managing director Kevin Teoh told AIN that KarbonMRO has welcomed its first HondaJet for refurbishment work at the facility at Subang International Airport, Kuala Lumpur’s main gateway. The project is expected to take approximately two months.
"We are honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of providing comprehensive maintenance and support services to HondaJet owners and operators in this dynamic and rapidly expanding market," Teoh said. “We are also grateful to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia [CAAM] for their support and trust in granting us full base maintenance capabilities as an approved maintenance organization for the world’s most advanced light jet.”
Securing the CAAM’s approval took almost a year after North Carolina-based Honda Aircraft appointed KarbonMRO as an exclusive ASC for HondaJet operators in Southeast Asia. Looking forward, Dviation is aiming to leverage its extensive network and local expertise to expand services across the wider Asia-Pacific region.
The company offers aftermarket services, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul, as well as comprehensive aircraft refits. It also has a presence in Bangkok; Delhi, India; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Jakarta, Indonesia; Kathmandu, Nepal; Manila, Philippines; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Singapore; Yangon, Myanmar; Zagreb, Croatia; and Zurich. In addition to Malaysia, the ASEAN states also include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
“Asia, particularly Southeast Asia and China, offers tremendous potential for aviation growth. As the global economy continues to shift towards the east, the demand for business aviation in the region will rise,” said Teoh, adding that both markets present unique opportunities and challenges. “Dviation Group recognizes the importance of a realistic approach when operating in these regions. Our deep understanding of the local regulatory landscape, cultural nuances, and business practices enables the group to navigate challenges effectively, ensuring seamless operations for its clients.”
As the industry looks to curb carbon emissions, Dviation said it is also gearing up to become a front-runner in sustainable aviation in the region, positioning KarbonMRO as an engineering and maintenance provider for next-generation aerial vehicles, boutique MRO services, and de-carbonization and sustainability solutions.