Development of Southeast Asia’s First AI Driven Aerospace Hub in Malaysia

Strategic Alliance Formed to Develop Southeast Asia’s First AI-Driven Aerospace Hub

On November 20, 2025, a significant development in the global aerospace sector was formalized at the Dubai Air Show. BigBear.ai, a US-based leader in AI for national security, along with UAE-based entities Easy Lease and Vigilix, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Pahang Aerospace City (PAC). This strategic collaboration aims to accelerate the development of a massive infrastructure project in Malaysia, positioning it as Southeast Asia’s first AI-driven aerospace hub.

The agreement establishes a framework for integrating advanced technologies into the physical development of the PAC. By combining American artificial intelligence capabilities, Emirati mobility solutions and investment strategies, and Malaysian infrastructure development, the consortium intends to create a “smart” city designed from the ground up. The project is located in Gebeng, Pahang, and represents a major shift toward digital-first industrial planning in the region.

This partnership creates a global innovation corridor connecting Pahang, the UAE, and the United States. The scope of the project extends beyond traditional aviation, encompassing space exploration logistics, autonomous mobility, and high-level security operations. As the master developer, PAC is leveraging this international expertise to meet ambitious operational timelines set for the coming decade.

Pahang Aerospace City: Infrastructure and Scope

Pahang Aerospace City (PAC) is designated as a national priority project in Malaysia, covering approximately 5,042 hectares (roughly 12,460 acres). The development is conceived as a multi-modal transit hub that will integrate air, land, and sea routes to serve as a primary gateway for Southeast Asia. The scale of the project necessitates a phased approach to construction and technological integration, with specific milestones targeted for the late 2020s and early 2030s.

Core Components of the Development

A central feature of the PAC is the construction of the new Kuantan International Airport. This facility is intended to replace the existing Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport. Construction schedules suggest a timeline where initial operations could commence by 2026, with the facility aiming for full international hub status by 2031. This airport is designed to function as part of an “Omniport,” a logistics hub that integrates air cargo with the nearby Kuantan Port and the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), facilitating seamless freight movement.

In addition to commercial aviation, the PAC includes plans for an International Spaceport. This facility is projected to be Southeast Asia’s first launch site capable of facilitating both air and sea launch operations. The development timeline for the spaceport targets completion within three to five years. This addition aligns the project with the growing demands of the global space economy, particularly for equatorial launch services which offer geographical advantages for specific satellite orbits.

The hub also features a dedicated cluster for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services. This sector is designed to capture a portion of the Asia-Pacific MRO market, which remains a critical component of the global aviation supply chain. By centralizing these services within a high-tech zone, PAC aims to attract major aerospace players looking for efficient, tech-enabled service centers.

“The Pahang Aerospace City is shaping Malaysia’s next frontier, a city where aerospace, space, digital mobility, and predictive AI converge. This alliance creates a global innovation corridor connecting Pahang, the UAE, and the United States.”

, Prof. Adjunct M. Nurazmi Abas, CEO of Pahang Aerospace City (PAC)

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Technological Integration and Corporate Roles

The MOU delineates specific roles for each signatory, leveraging their respective headquarters’ expertise. The collaboration is structured to ensure that the physical infrastructure of PAC is matched by equally robust digital infrastructure. This approach differs from traditional industrial parks by prioritizing “smart” systems during the construction phase rather than retrofitting them later.

AI and Security Implementation

BigBear.ai (NYSE: BBAI), headquartered in McLean, Virginia, is tasked with the security and intelligence framework of the city. The company is expected to deploy AI-driven border operations and secure orchestration technologies. These systems are designed to manage the complex flow of people and goods that an international hub requires. The application of predictive analytics will allow for threat detection and operational efficiency, ensuring that the security infrastructure scales alongside the physical growth of the airport and spaceport.

Mobility and Strategic Investment

On the mobility front, Easy Lease (ADX: EASYLEASE), based in Abu Dhabi, will provide solutions for autonomous logistics and fleet optimization. The goal is to implement “smart city” transportation systems that ensure the efficient movement of cargo and personnel within the 5,042-hectare zone. This includes the potential deployment of autonomous vehicles and optimized logistics networks that reduce transit times between the airport, seaport, and rail links.

Vigilix Technology Investment LLC, also based in the UAE, serves as the strategic enabler for the group. Their role involves acting as a bridge for technology transfer and investment. Vigilix is responsible for identifying high-potential technology ventures that can be integrated into the PAC ecosystem. This ensures that the hub remains adaptable to future technological shifts and maintains a steady flow of foreign direct investment and technical knowledge.

Concluding Section

The signing of this MOU at the Dubai Air Show marks a formal commitment to one of Southeast Asia’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. By combining the industrial capacity of Malaysia with US artificial intelligence and UAE capital and mobility expertise, Pahang Aerospace City aims to redefine the standards for aerospace hubs. The project’s success will depend on the timely execution of its core components, particularly the Kuantan International Airport and the International Spaceport.

As the project moves from planning to execution, the integration of AI and autonomous systems will serve as a test case for future smart cities in the region. The collaboration highlights the increasing interconnectedness of the global aerospace sector, where national boundaries are bridged by shared technological and economic goals. We will continue to monitor the progress of the PAC development as it approaches its operational targets in 2026 and beyond.

FAQ

Question: What is the main goal of the MOU signed between BigBear.ai, Easy Lease, Vigilix, and PAC?
Answer: The goal is to collaborate on developing Pahang Aerospace City (PAC) in Malaysia into Southeast Asia’s first AI-driven aerospace hub, integrating smart security, mobility, and infrastructure.

Question: When and where was this agreement signed?
Answer: The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on November 20, 2025, at the Dubai Air Show.

Question: What are the key components of Pahang Aerospace City?
Answer: The 5,042-hectare development includes a new Kuantan International Airport, an International Spaceport, a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub, and an Omniport for logistics.

Question: What is BigBear.ai’s role in the project?
Answer: BigBear.ai will provide AI-driven solutions for border security, predictive analytics, and secure orchestration to protect and manage the hub’s infrastructure.

Sources

• Business Wire