In order to increase the number of women stakeholders in aviation sectors, airlines under the aegis of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), have unanimously agreed to launch 25by2025, a campaign seeking for more women with sought after aviation technical and policy qualifications and experience in the aviation sector across the globe.
IATA, the clearinghouse for 290 airlines worldwide, is seeking an increase in the number of women in senior positions by either 25% against the currently reported metrics or to a minimum representation of 25% by 2025.
The airlines also sought to increase the number of women in under-represented jobs like pilots and operations by either 25% against currently reported metrics or to a minimum representation of 25% by 2025.
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IATA member airlines that have already signed up to the 25by2025 Campaign include China Eastern, Lufthansa Group and Qatar Airways.
Expressing his confidence that the campaign would be a major catalyst for progress in aviation sectors across the globe, IATA’s Director General and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac, said aviation is the business of freedom, and an example of that is the freedom for 2.7 million women and men to develop exciting careers within this industry.
According to Juniac, women are under-represented at senior levels and in some professions within the airlines.
“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. 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. Our work will not be done in 2025, in fact, this is only the beginning. Our aim is of course for a 50-50 gender split with equal opportunities for everyone in every part of our industry.”
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What you should know: Although there is presently no comprehensive statistical gender data in the industry, with women reported to be representing around 5% of the global pilot population and 3% Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), the gender imbalance in the aviation industry cannot be overemphasised.
