Chief Development Officer Api Appulingam accepted the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) MidAtlantic Chapter Trailblazer Award at the CMAA MAC Project of the Year & Scholarship Awards Gala on June 13, 2025. This award honors an individual for their profound impact on the built environment within the tri-state area and for their leadership and dedication within the construction services industry and the professionals who shape infrastructure.
"I'm honored to have received CMAA MAC’s Trailblazer award and, as we recognize International Women in Engineering Day this week, I am proud to lead a talented team that consists of many of women,” said Appulingam. “I have the privilege of working alongside many trailblazers at PHL/PNE who are making significant strides at our airports."
Appulingam remains at the forefront of innovation, currently overseeing the improvement and development of the airports’ airfields, roadways and terminals through architectural, engineering, environmental, planning and sustainability projects at both Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE).
PHL aims to be a world class global gateway of choice for its guests and part of that vision includes improving conditions of current facilities, elevating guest airport experiences, enhancing business opportunities and building for the future. Appulingam leads the Department of Aviation’s multi-year, multi-billion-dollar capital development program.
Key program highlights include:
- Preparing for 2026 by investing $500 million in airfield, terminal and landslide modernization
- Constructing a new LEED Gold administration building at PNE
- Integrating an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) on Runway 26
- Reconstructing and modernizing passenger-facing restrooms
- Receiving Pennsylvania’s first Envision Silver Awards for infrastructure projects, most recently for the PNE Taxiway L Rehabilitation project
- Advancing within the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program – PHL to Level 3 and PNE to Level 2
- Receiving over $100 million in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) competitive grant funding
- Preparing PHL’s Master Plan Update to accommodate growth and modernize facilities
In addition to Appulingam’s leadership role at PHL/PNE, she is a well-respected member of the transportation industry. Serving on the boards of several prominent organizations, including the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) Philadelphia as Immediate Past President, the American Association of Airport Executives’ (AAAE) Inclusion in Aviation Committee as Vice Chair and the Free Library of Philadelphia as a member of the Board of Trustees. Appulingam is also committed to mentoring the next generation of STEM professionals.
