AirAsia Partners with Malaysia-China Summit to Offer Exclusive Travel Packages and Local Transportation

Published on May 16, 2024

AirAsia has been revealed as the Official Airline Partner for the Malaysia-China Summit 2024 (MCS 2024), ensuring enhanced accessibility and connectivity for delegates and participants from both China and the wider ASEAN region.

This significant announcement was made during the MCS 2024 Networking Engagement Series held in Kuala Lumpur, reaffirming the summit’s status as a premier event commemorating the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations.

Being the largest foreign low-cost carrier linking Malaysia and China, AirAsia will offer exclusive travel packages to summit participants. These promotional routes cover AirAsia flights to key Asian cities including Hong Kong, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Chengdu, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Vientiane, and Manila.

Moreover, delegates arriving in Kuala Lumpur can utilize AirAsia Ride for local transportation, while also enjoying AirAsia’s renowned Santan meals and special merchandise available at the summit, ensuring a warm and comprehensive Malaysian hospitality experience.

MCS 2024 is organized by Qube Integrated (M) Sdn Bhd in collaboration with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), as one of the flagship events endorsed by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry to mark the 50th anniversary.

Scheduled to take place from December 17th to 19th, 2024, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, the summit is anticipated to attract 500 exhibitors and 10,000 delegates from Malaysia, China, and ASEAN countries. It will encompass a three-day international trade and investment expo alongside a two-day Leadership Conference.

In his speech, YBhg. Dato’ Shaharuddin bin Abu Sohot, Deputy Secretary-General (Management) of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, highlighted the importance of partnerships in promoting regional connectivity and cultural exchange. He also spoke about the post-covid recovery and promotional campaigns to position Malaysia as one of the top tourism and MICE destinations in Asia. 

“The contribution of business travellers is significant, outpacing that of typical tourists due to their longer stays and higher spending in transportation, accommodation and dining. We are enhancing our facilities to attract more business travellers, especially during key events like international conferences, expositions, and corporate gatherings. 

“MCS 2024 is an important platform to showcase Malaysia as a tourism and MICE destination, and thus, through Tourism Malaysia, we are proud to be part of the strategic partner for the summit, to curate the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse tourist attractions,” Shaharuddin added. 

Qube Integrated Executive Chairman, Richard Teo, who is also the summit organising chair, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership with AirAsia, stating: “AirAsia’s extensive network and innovative services make it an ideal partner for the summit, ensuring affordable and quality travel for delegates worldwide.

“This new partnership will help to publicise Malaysia as the key destination for business and leisure while enabling AirAsia to demonstrate its capability beyond leisure travel to also specialise in business and trade.

AirAsia Group Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Caroll said: “As the largest foreign low-cost airline in China, we are honoured to be the official airline partner for the Malaysia-China Summit 2024. We see this as a strategic partnership, given AirAsia’s ongoing expansion across the region. We operate direct flight services to 16 destinations from Malaysia to China within AirAsia Group, including exclusive routes. 

“In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China bilateral relationships, we are committed to strengthening the ties between the two countries through tourism and further contributing to welcoming the arrival of five million Chinese tourists, as set by Tourism Malaysia this year. With the visa-free entry announced by both nations to celebrate the 50th anniversary, we remain committed to playing our role as a key aviation player and market leader in Asia. 

“AirAsia has expanded beyond merely being an airline, now catering not only to leisure travellers but also to businesses and trade. This expansion includes our AirAsia Corporate Travel Programme, introduced earlier this year, where we offer exclusive benefits to further enhance the experience for business travellers.”