Air India becomes AAPA’s first Indian member airline

Air India has joined the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), giving the trade body an active member in the fast growing Indian air travel market. Air India’s membership is effective immediately, says AAPA. News of its membership also comes days after the conclusion of the the association’s 66th Assembly of Presidents in Bangkok. Air India will be the AAPA’s 15th member, according to the association’s web site. “It is an honour for AAPA to welcome Air India into our ranks as the first Indian airline to join the association,” says AAPA director general Subhas Menon. “Air India operated its first flight in 1932 in India, which represents one of the largest civil aviation markets in the world. The airline will add considerable weight to the international aviation discourse undertaken by AAPA on behalf of Asia Pacific airlines.” Air India CE Campbell Wilson attended the recent AAPA meeting. Before joining Air India Wilson served in several senior roles in the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group – itself an AAPA member. Air India has also announced that it is re-joining the Federation of Indian Airlines, which works with authorities on matters of concern such as safety, passenger amenities, and other areas.<br/>