KUALA LUMPUR – Subhas Menon, Singapore airlines regional vice president Europe, is taking up a new position as director general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), with effect from March 1, 2020.
The move follows a decision by the current director general, Andrew Herdman, to step down after leading the association since 2004.
Mr Menon has over 35 years of experience in international aviation with the Singapore Airlines Group, having served in a wide spectrum of senior management roles including international relations, marketing, product development, logistics, country and regional management, and most recently as regional vice president Europe.
AAPA chairman 2019 and CEO of Cathay Pacific Airways, Augustus Tang, said Mr Herdman had shown “dedication and strong leadership” of AAPA over the past 15 years.
“Under his guidance, AAPA has strengthened its profile both internationally and within the Asia Pacific region.
“AAPA is recognised as the authoritative voice of Asia Pacific aviation and has built strong relations of trust with member airlines and other key aviation stakeholders including the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), regional and national regulators, and other industry bodies,” said Mr Tang.
The new director general will arrive in the role at a challenging time for Asia Pacific airlines.
"The emergence of Asia as a powerhouse driving the global economy during the 21st century naturally creates a sense of optimism for the region's dynamic air transport industry in the long term," said Mr Herdman.
"However, success cannot be automatically assured without robust efforts to support carriers, who continue to face an ever-increasing number of challenges to achieving strategic development and growth.
“Given the significant contribution that air transport makes towards wider economic and social development, governments need to adopt a much more positive attitude towards the industry and work meaningfully towards removing obstacles that hinder the sustainable growth of the industry."