"The initiative represents a strategic milestone in Malaysia-China economic cooperation, anchoring the ASEAN-China Air Silk Road," Raya Airways group managing director Mohamad Najib Ishak told Xinhua in a recent interview. "This partnership not only amplifies bilateral trade and strengthens supply chain resilience but also establishes Malaysia as a critical logistics hub within the dynamic framework of global trade networks," he said. Mohamad Najib expressed confidence that the initiative will drive deeper economic integration among Malaysia, China and the wider ASEAN region over the next five years. It will expand cargo capacity, improve digitalization of trade processes and strengthen multimodal connectivity, positioning the twin hub as a leading air freight corridor in Asia, he said. Pete added that Malaysia's proximity and close relations with China have made this air corridor a natural progression of trade between the two countries.