SAZMA Aviation

SAZMA Aviation Sdn Bhd is an oil and gas helicopter transport company in Malaysia, based at Kota Kinabalu International Airport in Sabah. It started operations in 2012 and says it was the first company in Malaysia to hold a standalone offshore Air Operator Certificate (AOC) approved by the Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia (CAAM).

Ownership and background

SAZMA Aviation was established in the fourth quarter of 2012 as a joint venture between Sabah Air Aviation Sdn Bhd (60 percent) and UZMA Teras Sdn Bhd (40 percent). The site says Sabah Air Aviation brought about 40 years of aviation experience and UZMA Group more than 20 years in oil and gas. In 2020 Sabah Air Aviation bought the remaining 40 percent and became the sole owner. The company is therefore fully owned by a government-linked company under the Sabah Finance Ministry.

Operations

• Offshore passenger helicopter transport for oil and gas operations
• Current clients named on the site: PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd, PFLNG 1, PFLNG 2 and SEA Hibiscus
• Business focus on the state of Sabah, supporting the state government aim of having more local players serve the local market
• Main operations from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, using the facilities of parent company Sabah Air Aviation, including permanent hangars, offices and apron

Safety

SAZMA publishes a Safety Management System policy covering compliance with state legal requirements, a safety reporting culture, a just culture, human factors integration and regular audits with monitoring of safety performance indicators. The company also runs an internal safety campaign called Aim Zero, launched in 2023.

Company facts

• Started operations in 2012
• Company registration 474089-P
• Sole shareholder: Sabah Air Aviation Sdn Bhd since 2020
• Base: Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Terminal 2, Tanjung Aru