“We aspire to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in an industry that is underrepresented by many demographics.”
Established in 2017
Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA) was created in April 2017 by a passionate group of airline pilots. What started as a singular group chat between a group of friends gradually evolved into a full-fledged organization, connecting and empowering individuals who share the same vision to overcome Asian underrepresentation in the aviation industry. We strive to uphold equality and celebrate the strengths in our differences. Together, we are stronger.
Our Mission
Our mission is to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals and provide our members with professional development, support, and opportunities to thrive in their aviation careers.
Title Sponsor
We are incredibly thankful for the support of Delta Air Lines as the title sponsor for our fifth annual Expo in Las Vegas, June 1st-3rd. Since our inception, Delta has been a steadfast supporter of our organization, consistently ranking among our top sponsors. A leader in their commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Delta's support is deeply valued. Many of our Founding Members and current leaders proudly wear Delta uniforms, a testament to this strong partnership. A title sponsor commitment from a leading airline is invaluable, enabling us to further our mission of reducing barriers into aviation, providing our members with professional development and opportunities, while creating an inclusive community for all. We look forward to a successful Expo in partnership with Delta Air Lines.
Board of Directors
Benson Truong
President
Benson Truong, a native of San Francisco, CA, now calls New York City home and serves as a First Officer at Endeavor Air. He launched his aviation career while working at a non-profit, earning his ratings and gaining experience as a flight instructor. Benson became involved with the Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA) through the Compliance Committee, later joining the Board of Directors, and has held the roles of Vice President and President, most recently being re-elected to continue as President. He is deeply committed to advancing PAPA’s mission and supporting the broader aviation community. Outside of aviation, Benson enjoys exploring New York City, traveling, and spending time with his wife and their Australian Cattle Dog mix, with Vietnam and Japan among his favorite destinations.
Felix Wong
Vice President
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Felix Wong moved to the United States for college and now resides in Seattle, WA. He is an Airbus A320 Captain at Delta Air Lines and a founding member of the Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA), established in 2017 while he was serving as a Line Check Airman at Compass Airlines. Since 2024, Felix has served on the PAPA Board of Directors as Vice President, having previously co-developed the mentorship program and contributed to the Expo team since its inaugural year in 2022. Outside of aviation, he enjoys traveling with his wife, spending time with their Labradoodle, and working on cars.
Juliana Xin
Treasurer
Juliana is a professionally trained financial expert with a long-standing passion for travel and community impact. A native New Yorker with over a decade of experience on Wall Street, she leverages her financial expertise to guide the Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA) in strategic growth and the expansion of its initiatives. Having lived in multiple major cities and enjoyed recreational flying, she looks forward to continuing her aviation pursuits later in retirement. Juliana is dedicated to uplifting and supporting aspiring aviators, helping them build strong foundations for personal and professional success. Some of her favorite places to visit include Shanghai, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Alberta.
Secretary
Monique Ishikawa
Monique Ishikawa is a First Officer on the A220 for Delta Air Lines, based in Salt Lake City. Born and raised in Kailua, HI, she now resides in Gilbert, AZ, and began her aviation career with Mokulele Airlines before flying for SkyWest and Hawaiian Airlines. A proud member of the Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA) since 2021, Monique first served on the Scholarship Committee and now serves as Director and Scholarship Chair. She is passionate about mentorship and representation, dedicated to helping the next generation of aviators pursue their dreams with support from PAPA’s sponsors
Board Member
Sean Wan
Sean Wan is a Boeing 757/767 First Officer at United Airlines, based in Newark. Originally from Taipei, he moved to the United States for high school and later earned a degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University, where he also completed his flight training. He began his aviation career as a flight instructor in West Lafayette, IN, before flying for Republic Airways. Since joining the Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA) in 2019, Sean has led the Collegiate Chapter Program, contributed to the Expo team, and now serves as Director of Social Events, focusing on youth engagement and development.
Kenneth Chen
Board Member
Kenneth Chen is a First Officer on the Airbus A320 at Delta Air Lines, based in Los Angeles. Originally from Puerto Rico, he later moved to California and earned his degree from the University of North Dakota, where he also began his aviation career as a flight instructor. Kenneth has flown for SkyWest Airlines and Atlas Air before joining Delta, and has been an active member of the Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA) since his collegiate years at UND. He now serves on the Board of Directors as Director of Expo, having previously contributed to both the Outreach and Expo teams. Outside of flying, Kenneth enjoys spending time with his goldendoodle, playing beach volleyball, and traveling—counting Spain and Japan among his favorite destinations.
Miles Collins
Board Member
Miles Collins was born in Misawa AB, Japan, and grew up traveling the world as his father served in the USAF’s Space Command. Inspired by pilots he met during his family’s travels, he pursued a career in aviation and is now a First Officer for Southwest Airlines based in Las Vegas. A member of the Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA) since 2020, Miles previously served on the Compliance Committee and now contributes to the Board of Directors overseeing Internal Affairs. Proudly American with Japanese and African American heritage, he is passionate about supporting diversity in aviation. Outside of work, Miles enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, watching hockey, and traveling—especially to Japan, which he considers home.
Kai Frenay
Board Member
Born in Houston and raised in Guam, Kai Frenay now resides in New York City and has been a member of the Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA) since 2021. After completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Washington, he pursued a career in aviation and trained at ATP Phoenix-Mesa Gateway. Kai currently flies the Boeing 757/767 for Delta Air Lines out of JFK. Before joining the Board of Directors as Director of Outreach and Chapters, he served as PAPA’s Expo Logistics Lead for three consecutive years. Outside of aviation, he enjoys playing video games, cooking, watching sports, snowboarding, and traveling to destinations like Japan, Italy, and South Korea.
Board Member
Harley Jiang
Harley Jiang is a First Officer at Endeavor Air and serves as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA). Born in Saipan and raised across Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Los Angeles, he brings a global perspective shaped by diverse cultural experiences. Before his aviation career, he pursued a passion for fashion design, a creative influence that continues to inspire him today. Outside of flying and his work with PAPA, Harley enjoys traveling the world, with Japan and Iceland among his favorite destinations.
PAPA’s First Meeting: July 10, 2017 in Los Angeles
A PIECE OF HISTORY
Founding Members (L-R): Chanwoo Park, Nigel Tam, Tim Wong, Jason Woo, Angelo Bautista