Asia's top aviation leaders are spearheading the resurgence of air travel

As the travel industry reawakens, passengers return to find that their favourite carriers have a few new things up their sleeves

For a while, the global pandemic brought the world to a standstill, with border closings preventing long-distance air travel, as well as disrupting opportunities for business, education and personal connections. Recognising the importance of travel, these airline CEOs and founders from Asia’s Most Influential have worked hard to adapt their businesses during the pandemic and are now expanding their operations as the world emerges from the crisis. Their dedication to restoring air travel by ensuring the viability of their companies and the safety of passengers feeds the growing appetite for seeing the world once more. Asia’s airline leaders are making the joy of exchanging ideas and exploring different cultures possible again.

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Goh Choon Phong, CEO, Singapore Airlines (Singapore)

Above Goh Choon Phong, CEO, Singapore Airlines

Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines (SIA), is riding high on the triumphs of the national carrier. Under his leadership, the airline posted its highest net profit in its 76-year history, reporting S$2.16 billion for the financial year 2022 to 2023. SIA cited strategic initiatives and pre-emptive preparation during travel restrictions, as well the hard work and dedication of its employees as the drivers of its success. Reflecting its gratitude, the airline is rewarding its staff with profit-sharing and ex-gratia bonuses of around eight months of salary.

More good news: SIA has recently been named the 2023 Air Transport World Airline of the Year by Air Transport World. The honour, which lauds the airlines’ decisive response to Covid-19 restrictions and its successful post-pandemic re-entry into the market, will be awarded on June 2 in Istanbul.

Read Goh Choon Phong’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Guo Wei Chang, founder, Starlux Airlines (Taiwan)

Above Guo Wei Chang, founder, Starlux Airlines

Starlux Airlines has had a buzzy entry into Taiwan’s aviation market. Its founder, Guo Wei Chang, who is the son of the late EVA Airways founder Chung Yung-fa, established the boutique airline after he was ousted from EVA in a succession battle among the titan’s heirs. In 2020, Starlux Airlines launched its inaugural flights to much fanfare: it sold out its first three flights to Macau, Da Nang and Penang, curated an upscale image with ’50s-inspired crew uniform, and was the first in Taiwan to use the new Airbus A321neo.

Since then, the airline continued its upward trajectory, adding 15 more routes to destinations in Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and the Philippines. In April 2023, Starlux also made its inaugural long-haul flight to Los Angeles with the new Airbus A350. Notably, first-class passengers of the flights are provided with personalised guest services, including easy customs and immigration screenings upon arrival, private TSA screenings on departures, and chauffeur assistance.

Read Guo Wei Chang’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Lucio Tan III, president, PAL Holdings and Lucio Tan Group (Philippines)

Above Lucio Tan III, president, PAL Holdings and Lucio Tan Group

Lucio Tan III continues the legacy of his grandfather, Lucio Tan, the Filipino tycoon who built up companies such as Philippine Airlines (PAL), Asia Brewery, Tanduay Distillers, Fortune Tobacco Corporation, Philippine National Bank and more. In May 2023, the younger Tan, who holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Stanford University, was appointed as president of both PAL Holdings and the Lucio Tan Group.

Of his appointment to the leadership of the first and oldest commercial airlines in Asia, Tan said: “As the newly designated President of PAL Holdings, I am committed to providing stability and upholding the highest level of integrity within the company.” After suffering losses due to the pandemic, things are looking up for PAL, which had successfully undergone restructuring to achieve profitability. The airline is now gearing up for expansion, signing a deal with Airbus to acquire nine A350-1000 jets, which will service long-haul flights to the US and Canada.

Read Lucio Tan III’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Tatler Asia's Most Influential is the definitive list of people shaping our world today. Asia's Most Influential brings together the region's most innovative changemakers, industry titans and thought leaders who are driving positive impact in Asia and beyond. View the full list here.

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Topics

Asia’s Most Influential Asia’s Most Influential 2022 Lucio Tan III Goh Choon Phon Guo Wei Chang Travel

Tatler Asia

How these Asian airline industry leaders are spearheading the resurgence of air travel

Goh Choon Phong, CEO, Singapore Airlines (Singapore)

Guo Wei Chang, founder, Starlux Airlines (Taiwan)

Lucio Tan III, president, PAL Holdings and Lucio Tan Group (Philippines)