The International Air Transport Association (IATA) 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 of airlines participating in the 25by2025 Campaign are: increasing the number of women in senior positions (to be defined by the member airlines) by either 25 per cent against currently reported metrics or to minimum representation of 25 per cent by 2025; increasing the number of women in under-represented jobs (e.g. pilots and operations) by either 25 per cent against currently reported metrics or to a minimum representation of 25 per cent by 2025 and reporting annually on key diversity metrics.
IATA member airlines who have already signed up to the 25by2025 Campaign include China Eastern, Lufthansa Group and Qatar Airways.
There is currently no comprehensive airline industry-wide gender diversity statistical report. But, with women representing around 5% (1) of the global pilot population and 3% (2) of CEOs, the gender imbalance in the industry is clear.
“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. 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 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.
