The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) and Philippine Airlines (PAL) successfully co-hosted the Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar (APASS) 2025 in Manila, reinforcing the region’s commitment to strengthening aviation safety and collaboration. The two-day event, held from 10-11 September 2025 at the Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts, brought together regulators, safety leaders, and industry experts from across the region under the theme “Safety Beyond Borders: Global Partnerships, Local Impact.”
The seminar served as a vital platform for sharing knowledge, addressing emerging risks, and promoting global cooperation in aviation safety. With air travel continuing to expand across the Asia Pacific, participants highlighted the importance of collective efforts to ensure safe operations in an increasingly complex and technology-driven environment.
Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall emphasized the national flag carrier’s focus on safety and the need for industry-wide collaboration. He noted that as skies grow busier and risks evolve with advancing technologies, it has become essential for airlines, regulators, and suppliers to work closely together. He commended the AAPA for leading the initiative and expressed PAL’s honor in hosting such a significant gathering, marking its return as APASS host since 2010.
AAPA Director General Subhas Menon reiterated that safety remains the cornerstone of global aviation. He stressed that the industry must continuously improve its ability to manage risks, adding that proactive measures and a strong safety culture are key to protecting passengers, crew, and operations worldwide.
APASS 2025 featured a comprehensive program that included breakout sessions, panel discussions, and collaborative exchanges. Experts tackled critical issues such as operational risk management, the use of safety data analysis for predictive insights, and the integration of new flight safety technologies. The interactive format encouraged dialogue among stakeholders, creating a unified approach to addressing the dynamic challenges facing aviation safety today.
The event underscored the significance of building strong partnerships across borders. With Asia Pacific airlines accounting for more than one-third of global passenger and cargo traffic, the role of the region in shaping international aviation standards remains critical. By gathering the industry’s top safety professionals, APASS 2025 reaffirmed the importance of aligning local practices with global strategies for long-term sustainability and resilience.
Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with international representation in Brussels and Washington, D.C., the AAPA continues to represent the collective voice of scheduled international airlines in the Asia Pacific region. Through initiatives such as APASS, the association advances its mission of ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable aviation operations while contributing to the growth of global air transport.
With APASS 2025 concluded, the discussions and insights shared in Manila are expected to fuel ongoing efforts to strengthen safety practices across the region — further cementing Asia Pacific’s role as a leader in global aviation safety.