Nearly 40 students from five schools begin the inaugural AIAT Kuala Lumpur as the aviation education tournament marks its fifth anniversary.

SHAH ALAM, 30 August 2026 — The first-ever Aviation International Aviation Tournament (AIAT) Kuala Lumpur officially commenced on 29 and 30 August 2026 at UOW Malaysia Glenmarie, marking the beginning of a multi-week aviation learning and competition experience for secondary school students from schools across the Klang Valley. 

Organised by Aerosim Hong Kong, AIAT is designed around a simple concept: allowing young people to learn aviation not only through classroom instruction, but by applying that knowledge through practical training, engineering activities and competition. AIAT first began in Hong Kong in 2022, built around the idea that aviation education could become more engaging when learning was combined with hands-on challenges and competition. The Kuala Lumpur edition represents the programme’s continued expansion and its first full tournament experience in Malaysia.

The opening weekend served as the foundation of the tournament, with participants undergoing a series of aviation courses covering topics including aerodynamics, aircraft systems, meteorology and human factors. Rather than compressing these subjects into a short introductory workshop, AIAT provides participants with additional time to understand how the different elements of aviation connect before applying what they have learned throughout the competition.

The first day concluded with a Glider Design Seminar, where participants were introduced to the principles behind glider flight, wing design and the aerodynamic considerations that can affect aircraft performance.

On the second day, participants progressed from theory into application as teams began designing and constructing their own gliders using polystyrene and the initial materials provided by the organisers. Each team was given two and a half hours to develop its design, with the gliders eventually being put to the test during the tournament’s final stages.

“AIAT was created because we wanted students to experience aviation beyond simply listening to lectures or reading about it. Over the next few weeks, everything they learn, from aerodynamics and weather to glider design and flight simulation, will eventually be applied in an actual competitive environment,” said Ryan [AIAT Committee member].

“For students who are already interested in aviation, we hope this accelerates their understanding of the industry. And for those who are still discovering what they want to pursue, AIAT gives them an opportunity to experience aviation before making those decisions about their future.”

The tournament will continue on 12 and 13 September, when participants undergo dedicated flight simulation training at Young Aviator Academy at Subang Airport. Training will be conducted in assigned sessions, allowing participants to familiarise themselves with aircraft handling and prepare for the final simulation challenge. The competitive phase begins on 18 September with the Online Aviation Theory Knowledge Test, where participants will be looking to earn their first official tournament scores based on their understanding of the aviation subjects covered during training. The tournament will then move into its final stages on 19 and 20 September, featuring the Glider Launch Challenge and the final Flight Simulation Challenge, before concluding with the inaugural AIAT Kuala Lumpur graduation and awards ceremony.

As AIAT establishes its first tournament in Malaysia, Aerosim HK Ltd. aims to develop the programme into an annual aviation learning competition and gradually expand participation to more schools across the country. The long-term vision is to position AIAT as a leading platform for secondary school students to learn, experience and compete through aviation while gaining early exposure to the wider aviation industry.

The programme is supported by partners including UOW Malaysia, Young Aviator Academy and simFlightKL, bringing together education, aviation training and simulation expertise to provide students with a broader introduction to the aviation ecosystem.

About Aerosim Hong Kong

Aerosim Hong Kong is an aviation education company focused on introducing young people to aviation through practical and engaging learning experiences. Through initiatives including AIAT, the company combines aviation education, hands-on activities, flight simulation and competition to help students develop a deeper understanding of aviation and explore potential pathways within the industry.

Media Contact

Anwar Khaled bin Muhamad
Marketing & Corporate Communication Associate
Aerosim HK Ltd.
anwar.khaled@aerosim.com.hk