International airlines sign up to new gender diversity pledge

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a new campaign, 25by2025, which aims to promote gender diversity in the airline industry. It is a commitment from airlines which are members of IATA to: – Increase the number of women in senior positions by either 25% against currently reported metrics, or to minimum representation of 25% by 2025 – Increase the number of women in under-represented jobs (e.g. pilots and operations) by either 25% against currently reported metrics, or to a minimum representation of 25% by 2025 – Report annually on key diversity metrics Among the airlines which have already signed up are Qatar Airways, Lufthansa Group and China Eastern. According to the IATA: “There is currently no comprehensive airline industry-wide gender diversity statistical report. But, with women representing around 5% of the global pilot population and 3% of CEOs, the gender imbalance in the industry is clear.” Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO, commented: “Aviation is the business of freedom. 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 25by2025Campaign 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.”