IATA launches campaign to advance gender diversity in airline industry

There is currently no comprehensive gender diversity statistical report for the airline industry, but the International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that women currently make up just 5% of the global pilot population and 3% of airline CEOs.

Stating that “the gender imbalance in the industry is clear,” and as part of its efforts to push for more female airline executives, IATA has launched the 25by2025 campaign.

Described as an airline industry initiative to promote gender diversity in the industry by 2025, it is a voluntary commitment by participating member airlines.

To date, China Eastern, Lufthansa Group and Qatar Airways have signed up to this campaign.

Commitments by participating airlines include increasing the number of women in senior positions by either 25% against currently reported metrics or to a minimum of 25% by 2025, and in under-represented jobs like pilots and operations within the same percentage and time frame.

Airlines taking part in the campaign will report annually on their progress.

On its part, IATA has pledged to increase the percentage of women in its senior management from the current 19% to 25% by 2025. It will also work with airlines to increase the number of women they appoint to IATA governance roles from the current 17% to a minimum of 25%.

The association said it would ensure a minimum of 25% women panelists/speakers at its conferences by 2025. Additionally, it will create a forum for sharing diversity and inclusion initiatives and best practices across the industry and publish annual industry statistics on gender diversity.

“Aviation is the business of freedom. An example of that is the freedom for 2.7 million women and men to develop exciting careers within this industry. But women are under-represented at senior levels and in some professions within airlines. Airlines understand the value that a diverse and gender-balanced workforce delivers,” says IATA director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac.

“The 25by2025 campaign provides a global context and encouragement for the many initiatives our members are already taking to address the gender imbalance. I am confident that 25by2025 will be a major catalyst for progress – progress that will set the industry up to achieve even more in this important area."

He added IATA’s work would not be done in 2025, as the aim is to have “a 50-50 gender split with equal opportunities for everyone in every part of our industry.”

* This article originally appeared on WebInTravel