Malaysia Airlines Hosts Landmark Trade Summit in Langkawi to Boost Visit Malaysia Year 2026

Malaysia Airlines, in collaboration with the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MYCEB) and the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), has successfully hosted the second edition of its flagship Trade Elevation Summit (TES) from June 10 to 12, 2025. Held on the stunning island of Langkawi — Kedah’s UNESCO Global Geopark — this event firmly positions Malaysia as a premier travel destination.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural summit in Kuala Lumpur, TES 2025 attracted over 300 delegates, including airline representatives, trade partners, and key stakeholders from 68 cities worldwide. The summit provided an excellent platform for collaboration, innovation, and strategic dialogue. Against the breathtaking scenery of Langkawi, participants enjoyed curated experiences showcasing Malaysian culture, tourism highlights, and Malaysia Airlines’ latest offerings.

The event also serves as a key moment in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026), strengthening Malaysia Airlines’ role as the country’s national carrier and a global ambassador for Malaysia.

Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officerof Airlines of Malaysia Aviation Group, said, “Malaysia is more than a destination—it is a story of rich culture, warm hospitality, and global potential. As the national carrier, Malaysia Airlines carries this story across continents, serving as a bridge between nations and a proud ambassador of everything Malaysia stands for. Langkawi has long been a cornerstone of our network—one of our earliest and most iconic leisure destinations. With 56 weekly flights connecting the island to key cities across Malaysia and beyond, we continue to champion Langkawi’s role as a vital tourism gateway and catalyst for regional growth."

Aresandiran further added, "Hosting TES here reflects our ongoing dedication to supporting Malaysia’s top tourism hubs and aligning with national goals. Through initiatives such as the Bonus Side Trip and ongoing investments in connectivity, digital platforms, and customer service, we are strengthening our foundations and positioning Malaysia Airlines as the region’s top choice. This summit marks a significant milestone in our journey towards VMY2026 — where we will continue to promote Malaysia as a leading global destination.”

As an annual flagship event, TES reinforces Malaysia Airlines’ mission to promote Malaysia as a preferred travel destination, foster innovation in aviation, and strengthen international collaboration. Delegates took part in curated B2B sessions, immersive product showcases, and strategic forums focusing on aviation growth, regional connectivity, and destination marketing. The Langkawi edition highlighted Malaysia’s position as a key tourism hub in Asia and underscored the airline’s commitment to supporting local tourism through strategic alignment with national objectives.

The summit showcased product demonstrations, business-to-business discussions, and forward-looking debates on aviation, connectivity, and marketing strategies. It exemplified the strong synergy between Malaysia’s tourism ambitions and the airline’s global network expansion.

With strong backing from MYCEB and LADA, TES 2025 reflects a unified effort to boost Malaysia’s tourism and aviation sectors through strategic partnership and shared vision. As VMY2026 approaches, the event has provided a timely boost to the tourism ecosystem, fostered valuable partnerships, and reaffirmed Malaysia Airlines’ role as the nation’s proud flag carrier