Asia Pacific Airlines (APA) is one of the oldest and most influential carriers in the world. Founded in 1945, the airline has grown from a small regional carrier to one of the most prominent airlines in the Asia Pacific region. With a fleet of over 200 aircraft, APA operates over 1,500 routes to more than 140 destinations across Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Americas.

APA’s history began in 1945 when the airline was founded by a group of businesspeople in the Philippines. Initially, the airline operated a handful of domestic routes, connecting the cities of Manila, Cebu, and Davao. In its early years, APA only operated a few small aircraft and its services were limited to short-haul flights.

In the 1950s and 1960s, APA began to expand its operations and its fleet. The airline started to purchase larger aircraft, allowing it to operate longer-haul flights and to expand its network of destinations. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, APA continued to expand its fleet and routes, becoming one of the largest airlines in the Asia Pacific region.

In the 1980s, APA was one of the first airlines to introduce a frequent flyer program and state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment systems. The airline also began to expand into the international market, operating flights to major cities in Europe, the Americas, and Australia.

The 1990s were a period of rapid expansion for APA. The airline started to offer business and first-class cabins on its international flights, as well as introducing its own loyalty program and frequent flyer benefits. Throughout the 1990s, APA also began to expand its fleet, adding larger and more modern aircraft to its roster.

In the 2000s, APA continued to expand its operations and its fleet. The airline moved into the long-haul market and began to operate trans-oceanic routes. APA also introduced a new fleet of aircraft, including the Airbus A320 and A350.

In 2009, APA experienced its first major incident when one of its aircraft crashed while attempting to land in Manila. The crash resulted in the deaths of three passengers and the injury of over 30 people. APA launched an internal investigation and the airline’s safety procedures and practices were put under scrutiny by the Federal Aviation Administration.

In the years since, APA has continued to expand its operations and its fleet. The airline has added new aircraft, expanded its network of destinations, and introduced new services and amenities. APA has also increased its presence in the international market and is now one of the most influential carriers in the Asia Pacific region.