AirAsia's 'Shine Brighter Together': Spreading Deepavali Joy

AirAsia's Deepavali Campaign

AirAsia has launched its "Shine Brighter Together" campaign to celebrate Deepavali, embodying unity, empowerment, and personal growth themes. This initiative aims to inspire a renewed appreciation for resilience and self-development, spreading the festive spirit of Deepavali to communities and travellers alike. The campaign reflects AirAsia's commitment to uplifting lives and fostering connections across ASEAN and beyond. It emphasizes the company's ongoing vision of empowering individuals and creating a meaningful impact beyond the festive season.

During the festive season, AirAsia welcomed passengers with traditional Indian snacks to spread the cheer of Deepavali. On flights such as AK 6126 from Kuala Lumpur to Penang and another flight from Kuala Lumpur to New Delhi, guests enjoyed homemade laddu and muruku, adding a celebratory flavour to their journey. AirAsia’s cabin crew enhanced the experience by greeting travellers in traditional Indian attire, creating a warm and authentic atmosphere that allowed guests to feel the spirit of Deepavali and enjoy a festive journey. Additionally, Non-operational Allstars volunteered at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA T2) during the peak travel period, ensuring smooth journeys for all travellers and embodying the spirit of unity.

AirAsia's commitment to empowering individuals through education was a central focus of the Shine Brighter Together campaign. Outclass by AirAsia (formerly known as AirAsia Academy), the education division of Capital A, participated in the celebration by providing sponsored subscriptions to Malaysians, promoting personal growth in the spirit of Deepavali. As part of this initiative, Outclass sponsored 10 subscriptions for United Malaysian Hindu Voice (UMHV) members, reinforcing its dedication to self-development and community empowerment. These subscriptions grant members access to valuable skill-building resources, supporting UMHV's mission to uplift individuals with tools for both personal and professional advancement.

Aireen Omar, President (Investment & Ventures) Capital A and Executive Director of Outclass, said: “Deepavali is a time of renewal and reflection, an opportunity to inspire individuals to invest in their growth. At Outclass, we believe that education can uplift communities, transform lives, and prepare individuals to thrive in an ever-evolving world. This Deepavali, we are proud to support AirAsia’s vision of building resilience across Asean by encouraging people to equip themselves with skills that will serve them well into the tech-driven future. Our mission at Outclass is to reskill and upskill the workforce, empowering individuals to navigate new challenges with confidence and adaptability and to create a stronger, more connected community.”

A key figure in this year’s Shine Brighter Together campaign is Naraeshpillai S. Ravendran, a Senior First Officer at AirAsia and a respected community leader with the United Malaysian Hindu Voice (UMHV). For Naraesh, Deepavali is more than a celebration—it symbolises resilience, self-development, and new beginnings.

“Deepavali, to me, is a powerful reminder to stay resilient and view each challenge as an opportunity for growth,” he explained.

“This mindset shapes both my role at AirAsia and my work with UMHV, where our mission is to bring light and support to those in need, helping them realise their potential.”

Naraesh’s dual roles as a pilot and community leader reflect values of responsibility, commitment, and leadership, which are central to AirAsia’s ethos. “Being a pilot comes with immense responsibility, as the safety and well-being of our passengers are in our hands. This same sense of duty drives my community service, reminding me of the importance of empowering others,” he shared.

Through initiatives with UMHV, such as Achayapatra (providing food aid), CHEERS (supporting children in need), and the Deepavali Open Houses, Naraesh and his team bring hope and celebration to underprivileged families. These efforts embody Deepavali’s spirit of compassion and empowerment, extending light to those facing challenges.

“It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of unity and shared growth,” he said. “Initiatives like these allow us to connect people from all walks of life, fostering a sense of belonging and community strength.”

AirAsia remains committed to inspiring and uplifting communities well beyond the festive season.

Rudy Khaw, CEO of AirAsia brand co. (Abc.), said: “Shine Brighter Together is more than just a festive campaign; it reflects AirAsia’s journey of empowering and connecting communities across Asean. At AirAsia, self-development and personal growth are vital in building a stronger, more resilient society. We aim to inspire individuals to grow, adapt, and invest in their potential. By encouraging resilience and fostering empowerment, we’re creating a culture of unity and progress that extends across borders. This campaign embodies AirAsia’s dedication to making a positive impact and championing the aspirations of the communities we serve. As we always say, Dare to Dream.”