Malaysia Airlines, as Chair of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) for 2026, will host the 70th Assembly of Presidents on 12 and 13 November 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, bringing together leaders from AAPA’s 18 member airlines to discuss the priorities shaping the future of aviation.
Held under the theme “Redefining Aviation: Growth, Resilience and Innovation”, the Assembly will provide a platform for regional airline leaders to exchange perspectives on industry challenges and opportunities, including operational resilience, supply chain pressures, sustainable aviation and the importance of closer regional collaboration.
The Assembly will be opened by Yang Berhormat Datuk Haji Hasbi bin Haji Habibollah, Deputy Minister of Transport Malaysia, and will bring together airline leaders, government representatives, regulators and industry partners from across the aviation landscape. Their presence underscores the strength of the partnership between government and industry, and a shared resolve to power the sector’s next phase of growth.
Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said,“Airlines play an important role in connecting nations, supporting economies and contributing to national development. However, the industry continues to navigate a complex operating environment, from supply chain bottlenecks and rising operational costs to ongoing geopolitical developments. Having a unified voice through
AAPA enables Asia Pacific airlines to bring shared priorities to the forefront and engage more effectively on issues affecting the industry. As Chair for 2026, Malaysia Airlines is proud to support this collective effort and strengthen collaboration towards a more resilient and sustainable future for regional aviation.”
Wong Hong, Director General of AAPA, said, “Asia-Pacific airlines are experiencing softening demand alongside persistent pressures, including rising fuel costs, supply-chain constraints, and operational uncertainty. Sustaining growth will require closer regional cooperation, resilient operations and continued investment in people and infrastructure. Innovation, using new technologies and AI, can help the industry respond faster and serve passengers better. Together, we must build an aviation sector ready for change and future opportunity.”
Collaboration will be at the heart of the Assembly, as the Asia Pacific aviation sector operates in interconnected markets and face challenges that often extend beyond individual carriers. Continued engagement among airlines, governments and industry partners is essential to addressing shared priorities, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting the long-term resilience and sustainability of aviation.
Beyond the Assembly, Malaysia Airlines continues to connect Malaysia with destinations across Asia Pacific and beyond through Kuala Lumpur, supporting trade, tourism and people-to-people connections. As Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 places the country in the international spotlight, the airline remains committed to strengthening connectivity and championing Malaysia as a destination and gateway to the region.
