PUTRAJAYA — The National Day flypast in Malaysia, a brief but highly coordinated aerial display, was the result of months of careful planning and collaboration among multiple agencies, officials said.

This year’s event featured 35 aircraft performing a flypast and aerial demonstration as part of the National Day parade, held on August 31. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) managed a total of 73 aircraft movements—53 departures and 20 arrivals—prior to temporarily closing the designated airspace around Putrajaya at 8:45 a.m. on the day of the event.

Planning for the operation began in February, involving close cooperation between CAAM, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), commercial airlines, airport operators, and other relevant stakeholders. Datuk Capt Norazman Mahmud, CAAM’s chief executive officer, emphasized that safety remained the overriding priority throughout the process.

The flypast included a diverse lineup of military aircraft. Fighter jets taking part in the display were four Su-30MKMs, four F/A-18D Hornets, and three BAE Hawk 208s. These were followed by RMAF transport planes such as the C-130H Hercules, A400M Atlas, and CN235.

In addition to fixed-wing aircraft, the display showcased rotary-wing capabilities with EC725 and AW139 helicopters operated by the RMAF. These helicopters flew in formation alongside assets from the Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, Fire and Rescue Department, and police force, highlighting the joint nature of the operation.

A dedicated team of CAAM air traffic controllers was tasked exclusively with managing civilian air traffic during the event, ensuring smooth coordination between military and civilian movements. Norazman reiterated that CAAM’s goal was to maintain safety while minimizing any disruption to regular flight operations during the temporary airspace restrictions supporting the National Day celebrations.