The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has announced a planned leadership transition, confirming that Mr Wong Hong will assume the role of Director General from 1 April 2026. He will succeed Mr Subhas Menon, who will step down after successfully leading the regional airline trade body since 2020.
The transition comes as Asia Pacific remains the world’s largest aviation market, accounting for more than one-third of global passenger and air cargo traffic, and continues to face structural challenges linked to sustainability, regulation, capacity growth and geopolitical complexity.
Incoming Director General brings deep regional aviation experience
Mr Wong Hong brings over 22 years of international aviation experience, having held senior commercial and leadership roles across airlines, industry bodies and aviation services companies.
He previously worked at Singapore Airlines, where his responsibilities spanned network planning, revenue management and sales, before joining Delta Air Lines. Most recently, he served as Delta Air Lines’ President for China, based in Shanghai, where he led the carrier’s strategy and growth in the China market through its partnership with China Eastern Airlines.
His career includes extensive overseas postings in China, India, Thailand and Vietnam, giving him first-hand exposure to diverse regulatory, commercial and operational environments across Asia. Earlier roles at SATS, covering ground handling and catering, and at IATA, in distribution and financial services, further broadened his industry perspective.
Role and responsibilities at AAPA
As Director General, Mr Wong will report through the AAPA Executive Committee to the Assembly of Presidents. He will represent the collective interests of AAPA’s member airlines on a wide range of aviation policy issues, working closely with regulators, governments and global industry stakeholders.
AAPA has established itself as a credible and influential voice for Asia Pacific airlines, advocating policies that support safe, sustainable and competitive air transport across the region.
Reflections from AAPA leadership
Outgoing Director General Mr Subhas Menon described his tenure as both an honour and a privilege, noting the strong collaboration among member airlines over the past six years. He expressed confidence in AAPA’s continued relevance and influence under Mr Wong’s leadership as the industry navigates an increasingly complex operating environment.
AAPA Chairman for 2025 and Bangkok Airways President, Mr Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, credited Mr Menon with strengthening the association’s advocacy role and expanding membership despite the disruption of the COVID pandemic. He said Mr Wong’s strategic insight and regional experience position AAPA well for its next phase of development.
Mr Wong said he is honoured to take on the role and looks forward to working closely with member airlines and stakeholders to support the sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness of Asia Pacific aviation.
Who are the members of the AAPA?
AAPA currently lists 18 member airlines, including Air India, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, ANA, and Vietnam Airlines, spanning full-service and regional carriers across the Asia Pacific.
Current AAPA Member Airlines
| AAPA Member Airlines (Verified) |
|---|
| Air Astana |
| Air India |
| Air New Zealand |
| All Nippon Airways (ANA) |
| Bangkok Airways |
| Cathay Pacific Airways |
| China Airlines |
| EVA Air |
| Garuda Indonesia |
| Japan Airlines (JAL) |
| Lion Air |
| Malaysia Airlines |
| Philippine Airlines |
| Qantas |
| Royal Brunei Airlines |
| Singapore Airlines |
| Thai Airways International |
| Vietnam Airlines |
Collectively, these airlines account for over one-third of global passenger and air cargo traffic, underlining AAPA’s importance in shaping aviation policy and industry coordination at both regional and global levels.