The Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA) is a dynamic group of aviators that connects and empowers individuals who share the same vision. Founded in 2017, PAPA has grown to nearly 4,000 members from dozens of countries, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in an industry where many demographics remain underrepresented.
The flagship PAPA Expo is a celebration of Asian culture and aviation. This year marked the fourth annual Expo, held once again in Las Vegas. Over two days, members and attendees experienced a variety of events including a career fair, cultural performances, and guest speakers. The Expo creates a space for networking, development, and cultural exchange, bringing PAPA’s mission and community spirit to life.
Envoy Air proudly supports PAPA as a Silver Tier sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to diversity and inclusion in aviation. This support goes beyond sponsorship. Envoy awards an annual scholarship to a PAPA member during the Expo, helping to foster the next generation of aviation professionals. During this year’s event, William Jeone was honored as the scholarship recipient, receiving the award from Envoy Air Operations Recruitment Manager, Kipp Swannie. William will use the funds to further his aviation career.
Aviators come from all over to Las Vegas seeking a career in aviation. One of those aviators being, Kristina Ledwith. Kristina came to the Expo two years ago hoping for a career at Envoy. Now, she proudly wears her wings as an Envoy Air First Officer. As a proud member of PAPA for three years; she credits the Expo with helping her get her foot in the door at Envoy. She also spoke highly of the impact PAPA has had on her career; “It’s more than an organization, it’s personal,” says Kristina. She is honored to return and represent a company that supports diversity in the flight deck, and to inspire pilots by sharing her own journey that began at this Expo just two years ago.
Before attending her first PAPA, Asuka Ichinose had never met another Asian female pilot. That changed the moment she walked through the doors. Over the last four years, PAPA has become more than an Expo for her, it’s a community that helped her grow and find her place in the industry. Now, Asuka is a PAPA committee member dedicated to creating those same meaningful moments for others. Her aviation journey began as a flight attendant, and through the AA Cadet Academy and the Envoy Cadet Program, she worked her way to the flight deck. Recently, she transitioned from a Cadet to a First Officer at Envoy. “PAPA gave me access to people and perspectives I never had before,” she shares. Representing a company that sponsors and supports PAPA’s mission is one she described as deeply personal to her, and she’s honored to return for her fourth year.
Envoy is proud to support PAPA in building a more inclusive future for aviation, one where every aspiring pilot sees a place for themselves in the skies.
