In Bangkok, the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) held its 69th Annual Assembly of Presidents on November 14-15, 2025. This significant gathering of airline leaders focused on addressing critical issues such as supply chain disruptions and workforce sustainability across the Asia-Pacific region.
The assembly, hosted by Bangkok Airways, underscored the ongoing bottlenecks in parts and equipment delivery alongside challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled staff. Despite the region's strong air travel demand—international passenger traffic increased by 10% in the first nine months of 2025—airlines face a backlog of over 5,200 aircraft deliveries, which hampers fleet modernization and operational growth.
Supply Chain and Sustainability Challenges
Trade tensions and tariffs have further strained the supply of essential aviation parts, raising operational costs and delaying aircraft deliveries. Additionally, the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) remains insufficient to meet decarbonization targets, complicating environmental efforts. Industry leaders discussed strategies to improve workforce resilience and enhance supply chain robustness, emphasizing the importance of adapting to evolving operational demands.
Mr. Subhas Menon, Director General of AAPA, remarked, "Despite macroeconomic difficulties, the region's resilient economies and favorable demographics foster optimism for aviation's future." The assembly's resolutions aim to guide the industry through these challenges toward a more sustainable and resilient future, reinforcing the Asia-Pacific region's central role in global air travel.
