Api Appulingam, P.E., A.A.E., has been promoted to Chief Development Officer to lead the multi-billion-dollar Capital Development Program (CDP) for Philadelphia International (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airports (PNE).
In this role, Appulingam will join the City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation (DOA) leadership team as she continues overseeing all aspects of the CDP effort, including architecture, engineering, environmental, planning, sustainability, spatial services, and managing internal resources and third-party service providers and contractors. Ultimately, she is responsible for bringing innovation to the airfield, terminals and roadways at both airports.
“Capital Development is an important function that has reached a critical stage within DOA’s future. The special focus on preparing for 2026, and the proposed Master Plan Update that once approved by our airline partners, will provide for a large-scale capital program in coming years, warrants a seat on the leadership team. Api has led the Capital Development Group successfully over the past several years, driving innovation and is prepared to deliver on high expectations,” said Atif Saeed, CEO of PHL and PNE.
“I am excited to join the leadership team and provide strategic oversight for our airport development. We have critical projects underway to be ready for all the exciting events set to take place in 2026 and we’ll be breaking ground soon on the first DOA-led LEED building at PNE. Longer term, at PHL, we are embarking on advanced planning of our Master Plan which will modernize the airport for the future.”
Appulingam joined the DOA in 2019, as Deputy Director of Aviation, Capital Development. Under her leadership, Philadelphia International Airport became the first airport in Pennsylvania to achieve Level 2 ‘Reduction’ as part of the Airport Carbon Accreditation program. In addition to sustainability, the Capital Development Group has focused on delivering infrastructure that is planned, designed, and constructed with an inclusive approach. This has enabled the Airport to be positioned to receive nearly $75M through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s competitive Airport Terminal Program grant funding. In addition, the Airport’s infrastructure has received numerous awards for its commitment to sustainable and inclusive design and construction.
Prior to joining the DOA, Appulingam served as the Philadelphia Office Leader for RS&H, Inc., a national provider of architecture, engineering and consulting services. There, she led significant aviation development projects for general aviation and commercial service airports in the U.S. and internationally.
Appulingam is also committed to making positive and meaningful change in the industry and city. She serves as the Philadelphia Chapter’s President for Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS), and as the Vice Chair for the American Association of Airport Executives' (AAAE) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Free Library of Philadelphia. Appulingam is passionate about mentoring and supporting the next generation of STEM professionals. She mentors young women ages 13 to 18 as part of the WTS Transportation YOU program.
Appulingam has been recognized by the Society of Women Engineers as a “Woman Engineer You Should Know.” The Philadelphia Business Journal recognized her as a “Woman of Distinction” for blazing trails across Greater Philadelphia’s business landscape and in 2021, Ms. Appulingam was recognized by Airport Business magazine as a “Top 40 under 40.”
