The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has introduced a $2.5 million initiative to advance diversity and inclusion within the aviation sector through its new Diversity and Inclusion Awards program. The scheme features three distinct categories, each offering $25,000 (Sh2.5 million) to recipients or their designated charities focused on diversity-related projects.
IATA Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac emphasized the importance of workforce representation in aviation, stating, "Aviation is the business of freedom." He highlighted that the industry’s global connectivity relies on a workforce reflecting the diversity it promotes, noting the initiative aims to spotlight progress in inclusive policies. "Ten million people work in aviation to make this happen," he said.
The awards include the Inspirational Role Model Award for women aged 30 and above in senior roles who have shaped industry agendas, the High Flyer Award for under-30 female contributors demonstrating emerging leadership, and the Diversity and Inclusion Team Award for IATA member airlines achieving measurable progress. Nominations are open from February 26 to March 31, 2019, with the first awards presented at IATA’s 75th Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Seoul, South Korea, from June 1–3, 2019.
