MAB Academy Targets ASEAN Aviation Training Leadership with 144 Cadet Pilot Intake Planned for 2026

Malaysia – MAB Academy, the training division of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), has outlined its ambition to become ASEAN's leading center of excellence for aviation training, while revealing key workforce and cadet pipeline figures in conjunction with World Pilot Day on 26 April 2026.

• As of 1 April 2026, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly have a combined total of 1,375 active pilots based in Malaysia, comprising 1,349 line pilots and 26 management pilots.
• MAB Academy plans to recruit a total of 144 cadet pilots in 2026. The academy currently has 141 active cadet pilots undergoing training at flying schools across Malaysia, including
  • Asia Aeronautical Training Academy (Johor)
  • International Aero Training Academy (Melaka)
  • BATS Aviation Sdn Bhd (Perak)
  • HM Aerospace Sdn Bhd (Kedah)
• Established in 2024, MAB Academy serves as MAG's center of excellence for learning and development supported by a pool of 150 trainers. The academy provides training services to over 30 local and international airlines.
• The academy recently opened its purpose-built Simulator Building at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, housing six full flight simulator bays including Southeast Asia's first Airbus A330neo FFS, with a CAE-manufactured Boeing 737-8 FFS expected to become operational by July 2026.
• MAB Academy's future plans include expanding its training portfolio with pilot training pathways including MPL and ATPL ground school, alongside the integration of new digital and AI-enabled training tools.

Statements

• "We believe training should be realistic and immersive through simulations, role play, as well as scenario-based learning. At MAB Academy, we replicate real operational conditions to ensure trainees are fully prepared to perform confidently and effectively in actual environments. We also play a crucial role in the talent supply pipeline for the aviation industry, in view of the fast-growing Asia Pacific aviation industry," said Captain Mohamad Khairul Ahmad Jahudi, Chief Operating Officer at MAB Academy.
• "The academy played a fundamental role in shaping my journey as an airline pilot — particularly in the early stages — by equipping me with a strong foundation in knowledge, technical competencies and discipline, before progressing into airline training and operations," said Captain Joshua Bryan Bansh, Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-800 pilot.

Source: MAB Academy