"APAC is the Fastest Growing Air Travel & Cargo Market"

In this exclusive interview, Subhas Menon, Director General, Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) shares his insight with Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World on key topics of the Aviation sector and the role of his organization in addressing and resolving issues of its member airlines impacted from the global challenges. Excerpts...

- - SUBHAS MENON, DG, AAPA

Subhas has over 35 years' experience in international aviation with the Singapore Airlines Group, As DG of AAPA, what are the priority areas for your member airlines?

Priorities are always Safety, Sustainability and Seamless air transportation. Civil aviation was established more than 80 years ago as a force for the good of humankind.

Aviation would not have thrived as it has if not for the dedication to safety. Sustainability is not only environmental protection but also safeguarding food and energy security as well as making sure that the wellbeing of future generations is also safeguarded.

Air transport is an integral part of the global economy but must not be unduly inhibited for it to work its magic.

How does AAPA contribute towards addressing the issues of its member airlines?

AAPA proposes the annual agenda and the Assembly of Presidents of the member airlines endorses it for AAPA to deploy the annual plan. The aviation world is dynamic so AAPA adapts to the changing needs.

For instance, reciprocal tariffs was not the issue when the Assembly of Presidents considered the outlook for 2025 in November 2024. But we must incorporate this subject into our advocacy programme as it strikes at the very core of the industry's raison d'etre - Connectivity, Global Trade, and Sustainability.

At present, how many airlines in the region are members of AAPA? Does your body work specific to local regulatory issues as well?