IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards 2025

To counter the misogyny and anger that has been unleashed in the United States , I want to talk about the work that the International Air Transport Association ( IATA ) is doing to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion policies in aviation.

These are the same policies that the current American president has thrown out without hesitation, considering them “woke” or “progressive” in Spanish.

Fortunately, there are countercurrents, and in this case IATA is playing an important role. The winners of this award for 2025 will be announced on June 2, at the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting and the World Air Transport Summit, to be held in New Delhi, India .

Through a statement, IATA reported which categories will be evaluated for these awards:

“▪ The Inspirational Role Model Award recognises a woman in a senior position within the air transport industry who has had a substantial impact on diversity and inclusion in aviation through her significant influence globally.

▪ The High Flyer Award recognizes a female aviation professional under the age of 40 who has demonstrated leadership through concrete actions in favor of diversity and inclusion, achieving a positive impact on the industry.

▪ The Diversity and Inclusion Team Award recognises an airline that has achieved measurable positive change in diversity and inclusion as a result of work undertaken in this area. Nominations in this category are open to all IATA member airlines.”

It is important to highlight that, in the face of the strong onslaught of regression towards irrational machismo within the aeronautical industry, these types of awards are promoted with the aim of clearing the mental cobwebs of many people and making them understand how positive inclusion, diversity and equity policies are.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh said:

“The aviation sector is growing and it is essential to attract more talent to join the industry.

Leading initiatives to foster and engage a more gender-balanced workforce will attract a broader pool of candidates to the extensive career opportunities aviation offers.

We are proud of the contributions of past winners and look forward to receiving applications from an impressive pool of applicants for this year's IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards."

The award , in addition to being a significant recognition of the work, will have a financial contribution of 25 thousand dollars, thanks to the sponsorship provided by the airline Qatar Airways .

This traditional Middle Eastern airline is working hard to improve its own policies, and that is why it is promoting this award. In this regard, its human resources director, Antonio Schulthess , reported on the company's position:

“Qatar Airways is proud to once again sponsor the IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards. This support is a recognition of the winners’ contribution to positive change in our growing aviation industry and the bright future that lies ahead for them.”

To select and award the nominees, a panel of independent judges has been assembled, comprising the 2024 award winners, and will be led by Air Transport World Editor-in-Chief Karen Walker .

Who were the individuals or organisations who won these awards last year and will now serve as judges? Elevate Foundation CEO and Founder Kendra Kincade ; Southern African Institute of Aviation Science and Technology Founder and CEO Mafunase Ngosa Malenga ; and British Airways Inclusion and Diversity Advisor Jade Fisher-Ryner .

We must be clear that this type of awards seeks not only to be “politically correct”, but to truly open the door for more people to have the opportunity to join the ranks of the airline industry .

We already have enough with the prejudices of ignorant people who devalue the performance of a woman in the cockpit, without also devaluing sexual or racial minorities .

Everyone has a place in the world of aviation , the only real requirement is that they have the ability to perform within this fabulous industry, which is truly exciting.

In the end these awards are a breath of fresh air, and at the opportunity to realize that there is still hope in the world for everyone.