Api Appulingam, P.E., A.A.E., Chief Development Officer
Philadelphia International Airport | Northeast Philadelphia Airport

As Chief Development Officer, Api brings more than two decades of aviation experience to leading a multi-billion-dollar capital development program that is transforming airport infrastructure and supporting the region’s long-term growth. She oversees architectural, engineering, environmental, planning, and sustainability initiatives across both airports, advancing modernization of airfields, terminals, and roadways while prioritizing safety, operational continuity, and passenger experience.

Prior to joining the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Aviation, Api advanced to Philadelphia Office Leader at RS&H, Inc., a national architecture, engineering, and consulting firm. During her tenure, she helped establish the firm’s Dallas and Philadelphia offices and led aviation development projects at more than 30 airports across the United States, Central America, South America, and the Middle East, spanning both commercial service and general aviation facilities.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration in Project Management and Corporate Finance from the University of Dallas. Api is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) and an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.).

Committed to advancing the aviation industry and strengthening the community, Api serves as Immediate Past President of the Philadelphia Chapter of Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS), Vice Chair of the American Association of Airport Executives’ (AAAE) Inclusion in Aviation Committee, and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Free Library of Philadelphia. She is also passionate about mentorship and workforce development, supporting the next generation of STEM professionals through programs like WTS Transportation YOU & IEEE Try Engineering.

Her leadership and contributions to aviation, engineering, and construction have earned numerous honors. Her recognitions include the Society of Women Engineers’ Woman Engineer You Should Know (2017); the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Woman of Distinction and Airport Business magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 (2021); the Airport Minority Advisory Council’s Airport Design Innovation and Inclusion Award and the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia’s Impact Award (2024); and the Construction Management Association of America Mid-Atlantic Chapter’s Trailblazer Award (2025). In 2026, she was named Airport Executive of the Year by the Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives and recognized as a Construction Champion by Construction Dive.