KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia’s ambition to strengthen its position as a leading aerospace and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub in Southeast Asia took centre stage at MRO Southeast Asia 2026, with Malaysia Airports convening global industry leaders, airlines, OEMs, MRO providers, investors and policymakers in Kuala Lumpur from 13 to 14 May 2026.

Held at Hilton Kuala Lumpur, the conference gathered more than 350 participants from across the global aviation value chain to discuss the next phase of aerospace growth in the region, including supply chain resilience, capacity development, workforce sustainability, digitalisation and the evolving demands of fleet maintenance.

As Asia Pacific’s aviation sector continues to expand, the regional MRO market is projected to exceed USD60 billion by 2030, presenting significant opportunities for Malaysia’s aerospace industry. In line with the Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030, Malaysia is targeting RM55 billion in aerospace industry revenue and the creation of more than 30,000 high-skilled jobs by the end of the decade.

The conference was officiated by Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Sim Tze Tzin, reflecting the growing strategic importance of aerospace and aviation services to Malaysia’s long-term economic and industrial development.

Hosted by Malaysia Airports in collaboration with Aviation Week Network, one of the aviation industry’s leading global intelligence and events platforms, the conference forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration across the aerospace ecosystem and reinforce Malaysia’s role within the regional and global aviation supply chain.

Malaysia Airports Managing Director Dato' Mohd Izani Ghani said the conference reflects the growing importance of Malaysia’s aerospace ecosystem and the need for stronger regional collaboration as aviation demand across Asia Pacific continues to expand, “As aviation growth accelerates across the region, the strength of an MRO hub will increasingly depend on how well the wider ecosystem is connected, from infrastructure and talent development to supply chains, investment facilitation and industry partnerships.

“Malaysia Airports is committed to supporting this growth by strengthening the ecosystem surrounding our airports, particularly across KL International Airport and Subang Airport, where aerospace, aviation services and connectivity continue to evolve in tandem. Conferences such as this create an important platform to bring together global industry players, encourage collaboration and position Malaysia more strongly within the regional aerospace landscape.”

Malaysia Airports’ integrated aerospace ecosystems at KL International Airport (KLIA) and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport) currently host more than 30% of Malaysia’s aerospace operators, collectively contributing nearly RM25 billion, or close to 40%, of the country’s aerospace revenue.

Within KLIA, this ecosystem continues to expand through the development of Selangor Aero Park within KLIA Aeropolis, a 445-acre integrated aerospace and aviation hub supporting MRO, engine test facilities, advanced manufacturing and aerospace supply chain activities. GE Aerospace has been secured as the anchor tenant for the development, with infrastructure works for the first phase currently progressing towards readiness in the first quarter of 2027.

Participants at the conference also visited KLIA Aeropolis as part of the official technical tour programme, providing delegates with a first-hand look at Malaysia’s expanding aerospace ecosystem and long-term development plans surrounding KLIA.

The conference featured speakers and industry leaders from across the global aviation sector, including Airbus, GE Aerospace, MTU Maintenance, KLM Engineering, Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, FL Technics Indonesia and Asia Digital Engineering, reflecting growing international interest in Southeast Asia’s expanding aviation market.

As Malaysia prepares for the next phase of aerospace growth, Malaysia Airports remains committed to strengthening the infrastructure, partnerships and ecosystem needed to support a more connected, competitive and future-ready aviation industry.

SEPANG – Langkawi International Airport (LGK) has been named winner of the Under 5 Million Passengers category at the Routes Asia Awards 2026, recognising its strong route development performance and growing network of airline partnerships. Voted on by airline network planners, the annual Routes Marketing Awards are among the industry’s most prestigious accolades, honouring excellence in destination and airport marketing, and highlighting the strategic partnerships that drive global connectivity and support the growth of airline routes.

The award reflects LGK’s steady growth momentum in 2025, supported by rising passenger demand, expanded airline participation, and increased capacity. The airport recorded nearly 2.92 million passengers, marking a 14.5% increase, alongside a 17.1% growth in seat capacity. Its network grew to eight airlines, with new routes such as Tashkent–Langkawi and charter services from Warsaw and Chengdu further strengthening international connectivity.

This growth is underpinned by a coordinated approach to route development, supported by initiatives such as the Network Development Programme (NDP) and Matching Grant for International Scheduled and Charter Flights (GSPC), as well as close collaboration with the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and Tourism Malaysia. These efforts have enhanced Langkawi’s visibility among global airline partners while supporting tourism growth and local economic activity.

Equally important is LGK’s continued focus on service excellence. The airport was recently recognised as the Best Airport in Asia-Pacific (2 to 5 million passengers) at the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards for the fifth consecutive year, reflecting its commitment to delivering a seamless and comfortable passenger experience even as traffic grows.

Managing Director of Malaysia Airports, Dato' Mohd Izani Ghani said, "Langkawi’s growth trajectory in 2025 reflects the strength of our connectivity strategy and the increasing appeal of the island as a leisure destination. As we expand our network, our focus remains on delivering a seamless and welcoming experience for every traveller. This balance between growth and service is key to sustaining Langkawi’s position as a premier gateway."

The achievement also supports national ambitions under Visit Malaysia 2026, with LGK playing an important role in strengthening Malaysia’s international connectivity and welcoming more visitors through a well-connected and service-oriented airport. Building on this momentum, LGK will continue to expand its network and enhance passenger experience, reinforcing its position as a key tourism hub in the region.

SEPANG - Usaha memperkasa komuniti setempat terus dipertingkat melalui Majlis Penyerahan Sumbangan dan Pembangunan Usahawan Komuniti di bawah inisiatif MYAirportCARES Santuni MADANI, yang memberi tumpuan kepada pembangunan kemahiran, keusahawanan serta kelestarian pendapatan bagi penduduk sekitar Sepang. Program tanggungjawab sosial korporat ini melibatkan komuniti dari Kampung Bukit Bangkong (Tradisi dan Asli), Kampung Hulu Chuchoh dan Kampung Hulu Teris, dan dilaksanakan secara berfasa sejak Ogos 2025 melalui pelbagai inisiatif pembangunan kapasiti serta sokongan keusahawanan.

Majlis tersebut turut dihadiri oleh Yang Berhormat Datuk Hajah Aiman Athirah Binti Sabu, Timbalan Menteri Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan merangkap Ahli Parlimen Sepang, sebagai tanda sokongan terhadap inisiatif pembangunan komuniti yang memberi manfaat langsung kepada masyarakat setempat.

Pengarah Urusan Malaysia Airports, Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani berkata, “Sebagai pengendali lapangan terbang negara, peranan kami tidak terhad kepada menyediakan kemudahan perjalanan udara semata-mata. Kami juga percaya bahawa kejayaan sesebuah organisasi perlu turut memberi manfaat kepada komuniti di sekelilingnya.”

Beliau menambah bahawa inisiatif ini merupakan sebahagian daripada komitmen berterusan dalam menyokong aspirasi Malaysia MADANI melalui pembangunan komuniti yang inklusif dan mampan.

Sepanjang tempoh tersebut, seramai 32 peserta telah mengikuti kelas pembuatan kek dan pastri dengan kerjasama Sama-Sama Hotel KLIA, selain latihan kemahiran digital bersama AIDAQ Services Corporation yang memberi pendedahan kepada pemasaran digital dan asas perniagaan. Peserta turut dibimbing dalam penyediaan cadangan perniagaan yang berdaya maju sebagai persediaan mendapatkan sokongan pembiayaan.

Kemuncak program ini menyaksikan seramai 12 penerima layak menerima sumbangan pembangunan usahawan berjumlah RM50,000, dalam bentuk peralatan perniagaan dan latihan kemahiran, bagi menyokong permulaan serta pengembangan perniagaan masing-masing.

Program ini bertujuan meningkatkan kebolehupayaan ekonomi komuniti melalui pendedahan kepada platform e-dagang, penyediaan modal asas perniagaan serta akses kepada latihan kemahiran yang relevan. Ia juga mengukuhkan peranan Malaysia Airports sebagai rakan strategik dalam pembangunan komuniti setempat.

Melalui pendekatan bersepadu ini, MYAirportCARES Santuni MADANI bukan sahaja membantu meningkatkan taraf ekonomi peserta, malah berpotensi memberi inspirasi kepada lebih ramai anggota komuniti untuk meneroka peluang keusahawanan secara mampan.

Sehingga kini, jumlah keseluruhan sumbangan di bawah inisiatif MYAirportCARES Santuni MADANI bagi tahun 2025 mencecah lebih RM217,000, merangkumi pelbagai program termasuk bantuan persekolahan, inisiatif Ramadan, pembangunan infrastruktur komuniti serta latihan kemahiran.

Malaysia Airports akan terus komited dalam melaksanakan inisiatif pembangunan komuniti yang memberi impak jangka panjang, selaras dengan usaha memperkukuh kesejahteraan sosial dan ekonomi di kawasan sekitar operasinya.

SEPANG – The spirit of Aidilfitri comes alive at KLIA this festive season through MY Raya Story, a thoughtfully curated campaign that captures the essence of Raya, centred on homecoming, togetherness and meaningful human connection.

From 14 to 29 March during the festive period, KLIA handled more than 3.1 million passenger movements across both terminals, reflecting the strong balik kampung tradition as Malaysians travel nationwide and beyond to reunite with loved ones.

Recognising the significance of this annual travel peak, Malaysia Airports continues to position its airports as more than transit hubs. During this period, they become important gateways where journeys converge and reunions begin, supported by ongoing efforts to enhance service levels, improve passenger flow and deliver a seamless travel experience.

“For many Malaysians, Aidilfitri is a special time defined by the journey home and the joy of reuniting with loved ones,,” said Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, Managing Director of Malaysia Airports. “As we welcome higher passenger volumes across our network, MY Raya Story reflects our commitment to delivering a seamless and meaningful airport experience, while contributing to the broader aspirations of Visit Malaysia 2026 in showcasing the warmth, culture and hospitality of our nation.”

Anchored on the idea that every journey contributes to a shared festive narrative, MY Raya Story highlights the role of airports as spaces where personal moments seen in every departure, arrival and reunion collectively shape the Raya experience.

At the heart of the campaign is a central installation inspired by the ketupat, a traditional symbol closely associated with Aidilfitri. Reinterpreted through a contemporary architectural lens, the installation features oversized woven panels in vibrant green, forming a distinctive pavilion within the airport space. The structure opens into a ruang tamu-inspired setting, warmly illuminated and thoughtfully detailed to evoke the familiarity of a traditional Malaysian home. Surrounded by complementary structures and lush greenery, the overall setup creates an immersive experience that seamlessly blends cultural heritage with modern design.

Enhancing the experience are integrated digital touchpoints that encourage passenger participation. Travellers can create personalised Raya messages, which are displayed on airport screens, extending festive greetings throughout the airport community and allowing each journey to contribute to a larger shared story.

The MY Raya Story experience is available at KLIA Terminal 1 until 18 April 2026, inviting travellers to immerse themselves in the spirit of Aidilfitri throughout the festive travel period.