Asia and Pacific (APAC)

Advancing aviation safety across the world’s widest-spanning region

about APAC

Aviation in the Asia and Pacific (APAC) region is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, playing a key role in connectivity, economic development, and regional integration. However, differences in regulatory maturity, infrastructure, and oversight make the adoption of international standards an ongoing challenge. IFALPA works to bring pilot associations in the region together within a unified framework to strengthen coordination and the exchange of best practices.

This regional network enables pilot organisations to share experience, align on safety and professional priorities, and address common challenges in a more consistent and collaborative manner. This strengthens the collective voice of pilots in safety-related discussions with regulators and industry stakeholders.

IFALPA also connects APAC associations to its global network, ensuring regional expertise contributes to worldwide standards while global best practices are shared back into the region, supporting a consistent and high level of aviation safety and professionalism.

Communication Interference in the Pacific

IFALPA has reported instances in the Pacific region of military warships attempting direct contact with aircraft and possible GNSS and radar altimeter interference, and recommends that crews do not respond, promptly inform ATC and company dispatch, and file safety reports.
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Mental Health Requirements for Pilots

IFALPA APAC is focused on supporting pilot wellbeing by promoting trusted peer support, reducing stigma around mental health, and ensuring pilots can seek help early and safely.
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Lithium Battery Fire Awareness

Despite improved awareness among flight and cabin crews, recent incidents show that passengers and ground staff still lack sufficient understanding of lithium battery risks, including thermal runaway and the safe carriage of spare batteries.
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GNSS Signal Interference

Manipulated GNSS signals pose an increasing risk to aviation safety, requiring coordinated action across the industry to strengthen awareness, training, and operational resilience while maintaining vigilant monitoring to protect navigation system integrity.
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APAC Aviation, Safety and Representation

IFALPA supports pilots in the Asia and Pacific region by advocating for harmonised global aviation standards and representing pilot expertise in international regulatory and safety discussions. Through engagement with ICAO and regional stakeholders, it works to reduce inconsistencies in training, licensing, fatigue management, and operational procedures across a diverse and rapidly growing aviation landscape.

It provides technical input on key safety and operational challenges, including airspace complexity, human factors, and the integration of new technologies such as unmanned aircraft systems. This helps ensure that safety frameworks remain practical, consistent, and aligned with frontline operational realities.

IFALPA also strengthens pilot representation by supporting Member Associations and promoting coordinated engagement across the region. This unified approach ensures that pilots’ experience informs regulatory development and that safety and professional standards are maintained as aviation continues to expand across APAC.

Latest Publications

Meet the Team

Capt. Jaffar Hassan

Executive Vice-President Asia & Pacific (APAC)

Captain Hassan has flown the B747, B777, A310, A330, A350, and is currently flying the A380. He is a member of The Airline Pilots’ Association Singapore (ALPA-S) and is also an Instructor Pilot on the Airbus A380 at Singapore Airlines.

Capt. Nickolas Lagouros

Regional Vice-President Asia/ East

Brunei, China (Taiwan) Democratic Kampuchea, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos (People’s Democratic Republic), Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Socialist Republic of Vietnam Overwater airspace of Ujung Pandang, Surabaya, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok FIRs

Capt. Louise Pole

Regional Vice-President SOP

American Samoa, Australia, Caroline Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Cook Island, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federate States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue Island, Republic of Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis Islands, Western Samoa Overwater airspace of Micronesia, Port Moresby, Brisbane, Melbourne, Tahiti, Auckland FIRs .Oceanic, unnamed airspace (ex-Honiara), are as south of the equator extending from the eastern boundaries of FIRs, Brisbane, ex-Honiara and north of Auckland Oceanic extending east to 157 00E. Also includes airspace extending south from the above-mentioned FIRs and from south of Easter Island FIR to 90 00S.

Capt. Shavantha Pedris

Regional Vice-President Asia/ West

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Overwater airspace of Bombay, Madras, Calcutta, Colombo, Yangon, and Male FIRs.

Capt. Lee ChoongSub

Regional Vice-President NOP

West Coast of North America westwards, including the Aleutian Island Chain, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Republic of Korea, Mongolia. Overwater airspace of Anchorage, Anchorage Oceanic, Naha, Tokyo, Laegu, Shanghai, Bejing and Pyongyang FIRs

Mei Li

Training & Regional Implementation Officer