Professional Asian Pilots Association

What Professional Asian Pilots Association does

Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA) is a Las Vegas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in April 2017 by a group of airline pilots to address the underrepresentation of Asian Americans in the U.S. aviation industry, where only 2-3% of pilots identify as Asian American. The organization operates a membership-based portfolio of programs including tiered individual and corporate memberships ($45-$1,000), a vetted mentor-matching program, a scholarship and grants program that has disbursed over $3 million since 2021, the SORA youth outreach initiative for high school students, an annual PAPA Aerospace Expo, a jobs board partnership with JSfirm, and a 2026 Discovery Flight voucher program for youth ages 14-18.

PAPA's core technology footprint is intentionally minimal: the organization runs on a Squarespace-hosted website, an exclusive Discord server for community engagement, and email newsletters, with no proprietary platform, API, or AI/ML capabilities. Its operational backbone is entirely volunteer-run by active airline pilots from carriers including Delta, United, Southwest, Endeavor Air, Hawaiian, and others, with no paid staff. Revenue is generated through three streams: recurring membership dues, tiered corporate sponsorships (Title through Bronze) from roughly 20 airlines and aviation companies, and tax-deductible donations. Member acquisition and sponsor engagement are driven primarily through in-person events, social media, the Discord community, and word-of-mouth within the Asian-American aviation community.

The go-to-market motion is community-led and event-driven, anchored by the annual PAPA Aerospace Expo (now in its fourth year and presented by Delta Air Lines for 2026) and supported by participation in peer DEI conferences hosted by OBAP, LPA, NGPA, and WAI. Member benefits — including mentorship, Discord access, priority event registration, educational seminars, scholarships, and volunteer leadership opportunities — are delivered uniformly across all membership tiers, with lifetime members receiving additional recognition. The organization distributes scholarships and discovery flight vouchers directly to recipients' flight schools, with eligibility requirements that recipients be U.S.-based and eligible to work in the United States.

Name

Professional Asian Pilots Association

Legal name

Professional Asian Pilots Association

Website

https://asianpilots.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Professional Asian Pilots Association is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2017 that supports Asian-American aviation professionals through membership tiers, mentorship, scholarships (over $3M awarded since 2021), the SORA youth program, and an annual Aerospace Expo, funded by corporate airline sponsors and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Professional Association Services

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)

Keywords

• Aviation diversity programs
• Professional pilot association
• Aviation scholarships
• Mentorship for aviators
• Youth aviation outreach

Headquarters

HQ city

Las Vegas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Others, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: PAPA accepts tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations to support operations and mission activities. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations are the primary funding source alongside membership dues.
2. Membership Dues: Annual membership dues fund organizational operations. PAPA Regular Membership is $45/year, Corporate Membership is $475/year, and Lifetime Membership is $1,000 one-time. Dues were first implemented in May 2021.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors provide financial support at various tiers (Title, Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze) in exchange for association with PAPA's mission and visibility at events. Sponsors include major airlines (Delta, United, Southwest, American, PSA Airlines, Alaska, Hawaiian, JetBlue, etc.) and aviation companies (FedEx, Flexjet, Endeavor Air, Envoy Air, Piedmont, etc.).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization that supports Asian-American aviation professionals and aspiring aviators through tiered membership (Regular $45/year, Corporate $475/year, Lifetime $1,000), a mentorship program, an annual PAPA Aerospace Expo, the SORA youth program, a scholarships and grants program (over $3 million awarded since 2021), and a Discovery Flight initiative for youth ages 14-18.

Product overview

Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA) is a nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of membership-based programs and services designed to promote diversity in aviation. The core offerings include annual/corporate/lifetime membership access to mentorship, networking via Discord, educational seminars, and scholarships. Key programs include the Scholarships & Grants program (awarding $2,500-$7,500 with over $3M distributed since 2021), the SORA youth program for career exploration, the annual PAPA Aerospace Expo for industry networking, a jobs board partnership with JSfirm, and a mentorship program pairing members with aviation professionals. Additionally, PAPA offers a free Discovery Flight program for youth ages 14-18 and volunteer opportunities for member engagement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SORA: SORA - Strengthening Our Roots Through Aviation: PAPA's youth program designed to inspire students and expand awareness of aviation careers. Through engaging, hands-on experiences, it helps students and parents see aviation as an accessible and rewarding path for the future.

Products and services

• PAPA Membership Annual, corporate, and lifetime membership tiers providing access to mentorship programs, Discord community, priority event registration, educational seminars, scholarship opportunities, and volunteer leadership opportunities for aviation professionals and aspiring aviators.
• Mentorship Program

Quantifiable outcome

• $3 million+ in scholarships awarded since 2021
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting, flagship and major.

• NGPA (National Gay Pilots Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2027NGPA is a long-standing partner. PAPA participated in NGPA Industry Expo 2018, 2019, and 2020, and Aviation Inclusion Summit 2019. NGPA Expo 2027 scheduled for Feb 4-5, 2027 in Palm Springs, CA. Both organizations share booth presence at events.
• WAI (Women in Aviation International)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2027WAI is a key industry partner. PAPA participated in Aviation Inclusion Summit 2019 alongside WAI. WAI 2027 Conference scheduled for Feb 25-27, 2027 in Savannah, GA. Both organizations work together on aviation DEI initiatives.
• Delta Air LinesflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Delta Air Lines serves as PAPA's Title Sponsor for the 5th annual Expo in Las Vegas (June 1-3, 2026). Delta has been a steadfast supporter since PAPA's inception, consistently ranking among top sponsors. Many founding members and current leaders proudly wear Delta uniforms. Delta is recognized as a leader in DEI initiatives.
• United AirlinescoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026United Airlines is a Diamond Sponsor of PAPA. United pilots including Sean Wan (Board Member, Boeing 757/767 First Officer) are active in the organization. United's pilot careers page is linked on PAPA's sponsor page.
• Southwest AirlinescoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Southwest Airlines is a Diamond Sponsor of PAPA. Southwest was presenting sponsor for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th PAPA Aerospace Expos (2023, 2024, 2025). Miles Collins (Board Member, First Officer) is based in Las Vegas as a Southwest pilot.
• American AirlinescoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026American Airlines is a Platinum Sponsor of PAPA, with their pilot careers page linked through the sponsor section. Kenneth Chen (Board Member) previously contributed to Outreach and Expo teams.
• PSA AirlinesmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026PSA Airlines is a Gold Sponsor of PAPA. PAPA and SORA plan an event at PSA Airlines Headquarters in Charlotte, NC (July 10, 2026) for high school students to tour facilities and meet aviation professionals.
• Alaska AirlinessupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Alaska Airlines is a Bronze Sponsor of PAPA, with their pilot jobs career page linked through the sponsor section.
• Hawaiian AirlinessupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Hawaiian Airlines is a Bronze Sponsor of PAPA. Monique Ishikawa (Board Secretary) previously flew for Hawaiian Airlines before joining Delta.
• JetBluesupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026JetBlue is a Bronze Sponsor of PAPA, with their logo displayed in the sponsor section.
• FedExsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026FedEx is a Bronze Sponsor of PAPA, with their pilot careers page linked through the sponsor section.
• FlexjetsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Flexjet is a Silver Sponsor of PAPA, with their pilot careers page linked through the sponsor section.
• Endeavor AirsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Endeavor Air is a Silver Sponsor of PAPA. Benson Truong (President) is a First Officer at Endeavor Air, and Harley Jiang (Director of Marketing) is also a First Officer at Endeavor Air.
• GoJet AirlinessupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026GoJet Airlines is a Silver Sponsor of PAPA, with their pilot careers page linked through the sponsor section.
• Envoy AirsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Envoy Air is a Bronze Sponsor of PAPA, with their pilot careers page linked through the sponsor section.
• Piedmont AirlinessupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Piedmont Airlines is a Bronze Sponsor of PAPA, with their careers page linked through the sponsor section.
• Sun Country AirlinessupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sun Country Airlines is a Bronze Sponsor of PAPA, with their pilot careers page linked through the sponsor section.
• Republic Airways (RJet)supportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Republic Airways (RJet) is a Silver Sponsor of PAPA, with their airline careers page linked through the sponsor section. Sean Wan (Board Member) previously flew for Republic Airways.
• Spitfire ElitesupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Spitfire Elite is a Silver Sponsor of PAPA, with their website linked through the sponsor section.
• Aviator IntelligencesupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Aviator Intelligence is a Bronze Sponsor of PAPA, with their logo displayed in the sponsor section.
• Cirrus AircraftsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Cirrus Aircraft is a Bronze Sponsor of PAPA, with their logo displayed in the sponsor section.
• Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)supportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026ALPA is a Bronze Sponsor of PAPA. ALPA's logo is displayed in the sponsor section.
• American Airlines Credit UnionsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026American Airlines Credit Union is a Bronze Sponsor of PAPA, with their website linked through the sponsor section.
• Wings Financial Credit UnionsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Wings Financial Credit Union is a Bronze Sponsor of PAPA, with their website linked through the sponsor section.
• TPN (The Pilot Network)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026TPN is listed as an upcoming event partner for TPNx 2026 in Dallas, TX (May 6-7, 2026). PAPA collaborates with TPN on industry events.
• OBAP (Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026OBAP is a key industry partner. PAPA will participate in OBAP's 50th Annual Conference in Chicago, IL (Aug 12-14, 2026). Both organizations work together in aviation diversity initiatives alongside WAI and LPA. PAPA participated in OBAP events since 2018.
• LPA (Latinx Pilots Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026LPA is a key industry partner. PAPA will participate in LPA's 2026 Industry Expo in Orlando, FL (Sep 17-18, 2026). Both organizations collaborate on aviation diversity initiatives alongside OBAP and WAI.
• ISA21 (International Society of Women Airline Pilots)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerISA21 is listed as an Aviation Diversity, Equity & Inclusion organization on PAPA's Resources page, indicating partnership/collaboration in shared mission of aviation diversity.
• Sisters of the SkiessupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSisters of the Skies is listed as an Aviation Diversity, Equity & Inclusion organization on PAPA's Resources page, indicating partnership/collaboration in shared mission of aviation diversity.
• Stop AAPI HatesupportingOthersStop AAPI Hate is listed on PAPA's Resources page as an organization to support. The center tracks and responds to incidents of hate, violence, harassment, discrimination, shunning, and child bullying against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
• Asian Americans Advancing JusticesupportingOthersAsian Americans Advancing Justice is listed on PAPA's Resources page. This national affiliation of five leading organizations advocates for civil and human rights of Asian Americans and underserved communities.
• Asian Mental Health CollectivesupportingOthersAsian Mental Health Collective is listed on PAPA's Resources page under Mental Health Support. The AMHC aspires to make mental health easily available, approachable, and accessible to Asian communities worldwide.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA): NGPA is a nonprofit aviation community for LGBTQ+ pilots and aviation professionals providing networking, mentorship, advocacy, and the annual NGPA Expo. Directly comparable mission structure to PAPA, and the two organizations share booth presence at industry DEI events dating back to 2018.
• Sisters of the Skies: Sisters of the Skies is a nonprofit encouraging and supporting Black women in aviation through mentorship, scholarships, and community programming. Closely comparable to PAPA's intersectional DEI nonprofit model and listed by PAPA as a peer DEI organization.
• Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP): OBAP is a nonprofit DEI organization for Black aviation professionals providing mentorship, scholarships, annual conferences, and industry engagement. Directly comparable to PAPA as a parallel identity-based aviation professional association, and the two organizations explicitly partner on cross-DEI events and programming.
• International Society of Women Airline Pilots (ISA21): ISA21 is a nonprofit supporting women in commercial aviation careers through networking, professional development, and global industry representation. Comparable professional-development focus, membership-driven community model, and DEI coalition positioning.
• Ninety-Nines (International Organization of Women Pilots): Ninety-Nines is an international nonprofit of women pilots providing networking, scholarships, aviation education, and chapter programming since 1929. Comparable long-standing membership-driven community nonprofit model with similar scholarship, mentorship, and chapter structures.
• Women in Aviation International (WAI): WAI is one of the largest aviation DEI nonprofits, dedicated to advancing women in aviation through scholarships, education, conferences, and networking. Strongly comparable to PAPA in mentorship-driven programming, scholarship disbursement, and explicit DEI coalition participation.
• Latinx Pilots Association (LPA): LPA is a nonprofit advancing Latino/a representation in aviation through mentorship, scholarships, and community programs, hosting an annual Industry Expo. Directly comparable to PAPA in mission structure, programming mix, and DEI coalition membership.

Broad incumbents

• Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA): AOPA is the largest general aviation association in the world, serving hundreds of thousands of members with advocacy, education, training resources, and community programs. Comparable broad aviation professional association model and member-services delivery infrastructure.
• Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA): ALPA is the world's largest pilot union, representing over 70,000 airline pilots and providing collective bargaining, advocacy, and member services. Comparable governance and pilot-led mission, and already a Bronze Sponsor of PAPA indicating direct overlap in membership base.
• Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA): EAA is a large general aviation community focused on sport, recreational, and experimental aviation, hosting the annual AirVenture Oshkosh gathering. Comparable aviation community membership nonprofit model and flagship-event-driven engagement approach, though with a different specific mission.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/asianpilots
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/professional-asian-pilots-association

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Professional Asian Pilots Association