The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the 25by2025Campaign – an airline industry initiative to advance gender diversity in the airline industry by 2025.
The 25by2025 Campaign is a voluntary commitment by participating IATA member airlines. Key among the commitments are: increasing the number of women in senior positions (to be defined by the member airlines) by either 25% against currently reported metrics or to minimum representation of 25% by 2025; and increasing the number of women in under-represented jobs (for example, pilots and operations) by either 25% against currently reported metrics or to a minimum representation of 25% by 2025.
There is currently no comprehensive airline industry-wide gender diversity statistical report. But, with women representing around 5% of the global pilot population and 3% of CEOs, the gender imbalance in the industry is clear.
“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. Our work will not be done in 2025, in fact, this is only the beginning. Our ultimate aim is of course for a 50-50 gender split with equal opportunities for everyone in every part of our industry,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO.
In addition to the commitments from member airlines, IATA will increase the representation of women in its senior management (directors and above) from the current 19% to at least 25% by 2025; work with member airlines to increase the number of women they appoint to IATA governance roles from the current 17% to a minimum of 25% by 2025; and ensure that the number of women participating as panelists/speakers at IATA conferences is a minimum of 25% by 2025.
IATA member airlines who have already signed up to the 25by2025 Campaign include China Eastern, Lufthansa Group and Qatar Airways.