Brunei-owned Piper Aircraft, a leading manufacturer of general aviation aircraft, is looking to supply Alpha Aviation Group (AAG) more than 100 aircraft for the group’s pilot training programmes as part of Piper’s push to expand its presence in Southeast Asia.
Piper and AAG signed an agreement on August 6 in Brunei for AAG to acquire six Archer DX aircraft, with delivery scheduled by the end of 2026. The DX is the U.S.-based manufacturer’s primary diesel-powered, single-engine trainer, offering the joint-longest flight range among its four-model Archer lineup.
Director at Piper and Ministry of Finance (MOF) Head of Investment Ahmad Fathi Dato Paduka Hj Junaidi said the agreement represents the first large-scale opportunity in the region for Piper Aircraft Asia, the manufacturer’s Brunei-based office.
He said the partnership with AAG – a U.K.-headquartered pilot training company with operations in the Philippines, India and Indonesia – could lead to over a hundred aircraft supplied and help establish the Sultanate as a regional hub for general aviation.
“By leveraging Piper’s global expertise and AAG’s regional presence, we aim to develop capabilities in flight training, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), aircraft support services, technical expertise and other high-value aviation activities, creating a sustainable aviation ecosystem that generates long-term economic growth, skilled employment and knowledge transfer for Brunei,” he said.
AAG Group Business Development Director Colonel (Rtd) Teng Keng Peh said Piper’s planes have earned “the trust of flight schools and operators globally”, delivering aircraft that perform safely, reliably and predictably.
“Their aircraft meet the demands of daily training operations while providing instructors and students with the confidence they need,” he said. “For an organisation like ours, where safety and training outcomes are non-negotiable, Piper is the right partner to support our long-term vision for pilot training.”
Fathi added that Piper has employed Bruneian engineers, in line with SDC’s goals to build investments that help Brunei diversify its economy, create employment opportunities and support the growth of local industries.
Bouyed by post-pandemic travel demand and a shortage of pilots globally, Piper delivered 291 aircraft in both 2024 and 2025 – the company’s highest annual delivery numbers since 2001.
Wholly owned by the Brunei government through MOF’s Strategic Development Capital (SDC) Fund, Piper is headquartered in Vero Beach, Florida. Considered one of general aviation’s “Big Three” aircraft manufacturers, Piper is best known for producing single and twin-engine planes for pilot training, as well as high-performance turboprops for business and personal travel.
Piper Aircraft Corporatation was incorporated in 1937, and was acquired by the Brunei government in 2009.
