TAIPING, 2 August 2025 – The Taiping Air Festival 2.0 (FUT 2.0) was held at Tekah Airport, Malaysia’s historic aviation landmark established in 1929, and was officiated by YB Tuan Wong Kah Woh, Deputy Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Taiping. The event highlighted Taiping’s enduring role in the nation’s aviation history while showcasing its potential as a hub for education and tourism development.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition in 2024, which attracted nearly 40,000 visitors, FUT 2.0 recorded a significant leap with more than 50,000 attendees this year. The festival drew strong participation not only from local visitors but also from aviation enthusiasts and tourists from Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. This achievement reinforced Taiping’s reputation as a premier destination for aviation-themed tourism.
The festival featured 11 aircraft, including light planes and helicopters, which captivated audiences with thrilling fly-in demonstrations and aerial displays. Aircraft such as the Viper, Cessna Caravan, Cessna 172, Mooney, and Gyrocopter offered spectators an up-close look at aviation diversity, from recreational flying to professional training planes. These dynamic showcases celebrated both the thrill of flight and Taiping’s aviation heritage.
Beyond entertainment, FUT 2.0 served as an important educational platform, drawing more than 500 students to career talks, interactive exhibitions, and aviation-related activities. Young participants engaged in hands-on experiences such as paper airplane competitions, aviation-themed art sessions, and flight simulations. A highlight was the opportunity to take joyrides aboard Microlight and Cessna 172 aircraft, giving students and families a rare chance to experience aviation first-hand.
The festival also boosted the local economy, with over 100 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) participating in food, beverage, and retail exhibitions. This integration of aviation showcases, educational engagement, and entrepreneurial opportunities reflects a holistic approach that benefits the community while elevating Taiping’s tourism profile.
FUT 2.0’s record-breaking scale and multifaceted programming marked a pivotal step in positioning Taiping as both a heritage-rich aviation hub and an emerging centre for educational tourism. More than just an annual celebration, the festival is a catalyst for regional development, technical literacy, and cultural pride. As Perak advances its vision under Perak Sejahtera 2030 and Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the Taiping Air Festival stands as a model of how heritage, education, and tourism can converge to inspire the next generation and elevate Malaysia’s standing on the global stage.
