Chiang Mai: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) will be participating in Routes Asia CNX 2023 in Thailand after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic in a bid to further develop all five international airports as gateways into Malaysia.
The Feb 14-16 event at Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre is expected to be attended by about 800 delegates with 200 airports,100 airlines and 30 tourism authorities participating. About 2,000 face-to-face meetings between airlines and airports will be held alongside conference sessions by a few international speakers on aviation and tourism.
Managing director Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood said one of MAHB’s primary objectives is to accelerate the return of foreign airlines into Malaysia although almost 80 per cent of them on average have resumed flights.
“There are a few other airlines, especially in Penang and Kota Kinabalu, that have yet to restart. Hence, this is the opportunity for us to re-engage the airlines and persuade them to return.
“Meanwhile, for those who have returned the past year, we want them to get into the 2019 level as soon as possible by expanding flight frequency,” he told Bernama.
MAHB has also identified certain regions and airlines to follow up on and this will be an ongoing effort by the airport operator and Tourism Malaysia to raise Malaysia’s connectivity and accessibility.
“More than 20 meetings are expected to take place with target airlines, both new and existing airlines, to discuss route development opportunities into Malaysia airports, especially KL International Airport, Penang International Airport, Langkawi International Airport, Kuching International Airport and Kota Kinabalu International Airport,” he said.
The event will provide a platform for the region’s airlines, airports, tourism authorities and aviation stakeholders to meet, share best practices and develop network strategies as well as ensure future air service development across the Asia Pacific.
The event will also be attended by several key stakeholders from Malaysia to promote their respective destinations, namely Penang Global Tourism, Langkawi Development Authority, Sabah Tourism Board and Sarawak Tourism Board.
The Routes Asia CNX 2023 will also see a handing over ceremony with Langkawi hosting the Feb 26-28 2024 event at Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre.
Routes Asia, originally known as New Route Asia, was the brainchild of MAHB. It was first held in 2003 at Kuala Lumpur for three consecutive years. A decade later, MAHB co-hosted Routes Asia 2014 in Kuching with Sarawak Tourism Board.
“We recognise the importance to work with relevant stakeholders to market Malaysia. This event will bring greater economic benefit and development to the country as a whole and not just the aviation industry,” Iskandar added.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
