Malaysia Airlines to Convene Asia Pacific Aviation Leaders in Kuala Lumpur for AAPA 70th Assembly

Malaysia Airlines, as Chair of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) for 2026, will host the 70th Assembly of Presidents in Kuala Lumpur on 12-13 November 2026. The event will bring together leaders from AAPA’s 18 member airlines.

Theme
- Theme: “Redefining Aviation: Growth, Resilience and Innovation”
- Discussions will focus on:
- Operational resilience
- Supply chain challenges
- Sustainable aviation
- Regional collaboration
- Innovation and emerging technologies

Participants
- The Assembly will be opened by Datuk Haji Hasbi bin Haji Habibollah, Deputy Minister of Transport Malaysia.
- Attendees include:
- Airline executives
- Government representatives
- Regulators
- Aviation industry partners

Industry Challenges
- Key issues facing the sector include:
- Supply chain bottlenecks
- Rising operational and fuel costs
- Geopolitical uncertainties
- Softening travel demand
- Infrastructure and workforce needs

Leadership Comments
Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, President & Group CEO, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG)
- Highlighted the importance of airlines in connecting nations and supporting economic growth.
- Emphasized the value of AAPA in providing a unified voice for Asia-Pacific airlines and strengthening collaboration for a more resilient and sustainable aviation industry.

Wong Hong, Director General, AAPA
- Stressed the need for closer regional cooperation, resilient operations, and investments in people and infrastructure.
- Noted that innovation, including AI and new technologies, can help airlines respond more effectively to industry challenges and improve passenger experiences.

Focus on Collaboration
- The Assembly will emphasize cooperation among airlines, governments, and industry stakeholders.
- Discussions will center on strengthening regional connectivity and supporting the long-term sustainability of the aviation sector.

Malaysia Airlines' Role
- Malaysia Airlines continues to enhance connectivity through its Kuala Lumpur hub, linking Malaysia with destinations across Asia-Pacific and beyond.
- The airline also supports tourism and trade as Visit Malaysia 2026-2027 places the country in the global spotlight.

Key Highlights
- Event: AAPA 70th Assembly of Presidents
- Dates: 12-13 November 2026
- Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Host: Malaysia Airlines
- Theme: Redefining Aviation: Growth, Resilience and Innovation
- Focus Areas: Resilience, sustainability, supply chains, regional cooperation, and innovation/AI.