The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has announced that Subhas Menon will step down as Director General after leading the organization since 2020, with Wong Hong set to succeed him effective April 1, 2026.
Wong will bring more than 22 years of international aviation experience to the role, having held senior commercial positions in network planning, revenue management, and sales at Singapore Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Most recently, he served as Delta Air Lines’ President for China, based in Shanghai, where he led the carrier’s growth in the Chinese market through a close partnership with China Eastern Airlines.
His international experience includes postings in China, India, Thailand, and Vietnam. Wong also held earlier roles in ground handling and catering at SATS, as well as positions in distribution and financial services at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), adding further regional expertise to his appointment.
As Director General, Wong will represent the interests of AAPA and its member airlines on aviation policy issues, working closely with member airlines and other industry stakeholders. Through the Executive Committee he will report to the AAPA Assembly of Presidents.
“I am honoured to be entrusted with this role and look forward to working closely with our member airlines and industry stakeholders,” Wong said. “The Asia Pacific region is central to global aviation, and I am committed to building on AAPA’s strong foundation as we work together to support the sustainable growth and competitiveness of our region’s industry.”
Subhas Menon’s tenure
Subhas Menon, who joined AAPA in March 2020, has more than 35 years’ experience in international aviation with the Singapore Airlines Group. During his tenure, he served in various roles including international and government relations, marketing, product development, logistics, and country and regional management.
Known in the industry for his engaging communication style and wit, particularly his pun-filled speeches at aviation events, Menon led AAPA through a period of significant change for the aviation sector. Under his leadership, AAPA strengthened its advocacy efforts and deepened engagement with regulators and industry partners. Notably, he grew the AAPA membership to 18 member airlines despite the challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as AAPA Director General, and I am grateful for the trust and collaboration of our member airlines over the past six years,” Menon said. “With Asia Pacific as the world’s largest aviation market, I am confident that AAPA will continue to thrive under Mr. Wong Hong’s leadership as the Association navigates a rapidly evolving aviation landscape.”
AAPA Chairman 2025 and President of Bangkok Airways, Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, acknowledged Menon’s contributions to the organization.
“On behalf of our member airlines, I would like to thank Mr. Subhas Menon for his dedication and strong leadership of the AAPA over the past six years,” Puttipong said. “Under his guidance, AAPA has strengthened its advocacy efforts and deepened engagement with regulators and industry partners during a period of significant change for the aviation sector.”
He also welcomed the incoming Director General, adding: “As a widely respected organisation within the global aviation community, AAPA is well-positioned to benefit from Mr. Wong Hong’s extensive regional experience, strategic insight and deep industry knowledge. We warmly welcome him and look forward to working closely together.”
AAPA serves as the trade association for international airlines based in the Asia Pacific region and has built a strong reputation with leading regulators and industry stakeholders as a credible voice for Asia Pacific airlines, championing policies that support safe, sustainable, and competitive air transport across the region.
