AirAsia Chief Sustainability Officer Yap Mun Ching has been designated as an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Ambassador to support efforts in developing future aviation talent and promoting greater inclusion across the industry.
The two-year appointment, running from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2028, follows a nomination by Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport and recognises Yap’s experience in aviation sustainability and talent development.
The ICAO Global Ambassadors Programme, launched in March 2026, aims to attract skilled and diverse professionals into aviation as the sector prepares for long-term growth. ICAO projects global air traffic could reach 12.4 billion passengers annually by 2050, up from 4.6 billion in 2024, creating demand for professionals including pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers and maintenance technicians.
Yap said the role highlights the importance of collaboration in building a more sustainable and inclusive aviation industry.
“Our region is home to extraordinary talent and immense untapped potential. As aviation continues to evolve, we must open more doors for young people to build meaningful careers. Having navigated my own path in what was once a predominantly male industry, I want to show the next generation, especially young women, that they not only belong in aviation but can lead and make a real impact,” she said.
Yap’s career at AirAsia began as a route planner before moving into leadership roles spanning fleet planning, airline strategy and corporate foundation development. She now oversees environmental strategy across seven airlines in five countries and has chaired Malaysia’s National CORSIA Task Force since 2022.
AirAsia said women currently account for 8.3% of its flight crew, above the global industry average of 5% to 6%, while women make up 29% of its information and communications technology team.
