Malaysia Airlines has been named the official airline partner of ITB China 2026, the travel trade show taking place in Shanghai from 26 to 28 May. The partnership will support the airline in strengthening its presence in the China market and deepening engagement with travel trade, corporate, and MICE partners.
The airline will use the platform to showcase its expanding China route network, its signature Malaysian Hospitality offering, and an immersive on-site experience including a virtual reality A330neo cabin tour and MAYA, its AI-powered virtual cabin crew.
Malaysia Airlines continues to accelerate its expansion across Greater China. Following the resumption of flights to Chengdu in January, the airline will launch daily flights from Shenzhen to Kuala Lumpur on 2 July, followed by new services from Changsha to Kuala Lumpur on 9 July.
With those additions, Malaysia Airlines will serve nine destinations in Greater China: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Changsha, Hong Kong, and Taipei, with up to 74 weekly frequencies. By number of destinations served, China will become the airline’s second-largest international market.
Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airline Business at Malaysia Aviation Group, said the partnership reflects the importance of the China market to the airline’s long-term growth strategy.
“As we continue to expand our presence through new services to Shenzhen and Changsha, this partnership gives us an important platform to deepen engagement with travel agents, corporate customers and MICE partners, while supporting stronger tourism and business links between China and Malaysia ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026,” said Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airline Business at Malaysia Aviation Group.
Lydia Li, Deputy General Manager of Messe Berlin (China), said the airline’s participation would introduce strong international air connectivity to the show. “We are delighted to welcome Malaysia Airlines as the Official Airline Partner of ITB China 2026,” she said.
At the show, visitors will be able to explore the airline’s A330neo cabin through a virtual reality experience and interact with MAYA, described as the first AI-powered virtual cabin crew of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region. Malaysia Airlines will be located at booth L27.
Malaysia Airlines is the national carrier of Malaysia and a member of the oneworld alliance. The airline operates an extensive domestic and international network using its Kuala Lumpur hub to connect Asia with destinations worldwide.
Trade visitor and media registration for ITB China 2026 is now open. All attendees are required to register online prior to the event.
