IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards to Recognize Leaders in Aviation Industry

6 months ago Editor

In a landmark initiative to champion diversity and inclusion within the aviation sector, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the launch of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards, proudly sponsored by Qatar Airways. These prestigious awards seek to honor individuals, organizations, and initiatives that have significantly contributed to fostering a more inclusive culture in aviation.

The awards, which will be presented during IATA’s Annual General Meeting in June 2024, aim to celebrate the efforts of those who have made notable strides in promoting equity, fairness, and a sense of belonging within the industry. With nominations now officially open until April 17, 2024, the global aviation community is invited to recognize and nominate deserving candidates for their outstanding contributions.

Diversity & Inclusion Awards will be bestowed across three distinct categories:

1. Inspirational Role Model: This category will pay tribute to a distinguished woman holding a senior position within the aviation industry, whose impactful contributions to business delivery and unwavering support for diversity & inclusion initiatives have significantly shaped the aviation agenda. Nominees from both IATA member and non-member entities are eligible to participate.

2. High Flyer: Geared towards recognizing emerging female professionals under the age of 40, the High Flyer award acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated thought leadership and taken tangible actions to promote diversity & inclusion within the aviation sector. Like the Inspirational Role Model category, participation is open to female professionals from across the industry spectrum.

3. Diversity & Inclusion Team: This category celebrates the collective efforts of an airline that has demonstrated measurable progress in fostering diversity and inclusion within its organizational framework. Open exclusively to IATA member airlines, this award highlights the impactful initiatives undertaken by airlines to create more inclusive workplaces.

Winners of 2023 | Photo Source: twitter.com/IATA

Each award category offers a significant prize of US$25,000, generously funded by Qatar Airways, underlining the commitment of both IATA and Qatar Airways to advancing diversity and inclusion in aviation.

A distinguished panel of judges, comprising industry stalwarts and diversity champions, will assess the nominations. Led by Karen Walker, Editor-in-Chief of Air Transport World, the judging panel includes esteemed personalities such as Poppy Khoza, Director of Civil Aviation at the South African Civil Aviation Authority; Camila Turrieta, Chair of the President’s Committee for Diversity & Inclusion at the Air Line Pilots Association; and Donna Codrington, Senior Manager & Legal Counsel at Virgin Atlantic Airways.

With the launch of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards, the aviation industry takes a significant step towards fostering an environment of equality, inclusivity, and opportunity for all its stakeholders. As nominations pour in, the stage is set to recognize and celebrate the champions of diversity and inclusion who are shaping the future of aviation.