Malaysia Airlines, in strategic collaboration with the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MYCEB) and the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), successfully hosted the second edition of its flagship Trade Elevation Summit (TES) from 10 to 12 June 2025. As the largest airline trade event in Malaysia, TES 2025 brought together key industry stakeholders on the stunning island of Langkawi – the jewel of Kedah and a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Following the resounding success of the inaugural summit in Kuala Lumpur last year, TES 2025 continued its momentum with over 300 delegates in attendance, including airline representatives, trade partners and key stakeholders from 68 cities across the globe, creating an exceptional platform for collaboration, innovation, and strategic dialogue. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Langkawi, attendees were immersed in curated experiences that celebrated the best of Malaysian culture, tourism offerings, and the national airline’s latest products and services. The summit also serves as a timely and strategic catalyst in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026), reinforcing Malaysia Airlines’ role as a national flagbearer and global connector.
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.
Hosting the Trade Elevation Summit here reflects our long-standing commitment to uplifting Malaysia’s key tourism hubs and aligning our efforts with national goals. Through initiatives like the Bonus Side Trip, and ongoing investments in connectivity, product innovation, digital platforms, and customer experience, we are strengthening our foundations and positioning Malaysia Airlines as the top-of-mind carrier in the region. This summit is a strategic milestone in our journey towards Visit Malaysia Year 2026—where we will continue to champion Malaysia as premier global destination.”
As an annual flagship initiative by Malaysia Airlines, TES reinforces the airline’s mission to champion Malaysia as a preferred travel destination, drive innovation in aviation, and foster closer cooperation between international stakeholders and local industry players. Delegates engaged in curated business-to-business (B2B) sessions, immersive product showcases, and strategic forums focusing on aviation growth, regional connectivity, and destination marketing. This year’s edition in Langkawi not only reinforced Malaysia’s position as a premier travel destination in Asia but also underscored the airline’s commitment to supporting state-level tourism through strategic alignment with the nation’s tourism goals.
The summit also featured product showcases, business-to-business sessions, and forward-looking discussions on aviation growth, connectivity, and destination marketing. It was a testament to the strong alignment between Malaysia’s tourism strategy and the airline’s global network ambitions.
With strong support from MYCEB and LADA, TES 2025 underscores a unified national effort to strengthen Malaysia’s tourism and aviation industry —driven by strategic collaboration and shared ambition. With Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, the TES 2025 served as a timely and strategic move to energise the tourism ecosystem, build lasting partnerships, and reaffirm Malaysia Airlines’ role as the nation’s proud flagbearer.
