Source: IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the opening of nominations for the 2023 IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards. Nominations will be accepted from all individuals or organizations working in the aviation value chain and will close at 23:59 CET on 19 April 2023.

The annual awards program recognizes excellence in diversity and inclusion in three categories:

Inspirational Role Model Award: Recognizes a woman holding a senior position within the air transport industry who has had a significant impact on the aviation agenda through her strong contribution to business delivery, as well as her ongoing support for the diversity and inclusion agenda. Nominees are welcome from across the aviation industry.

High Flyer Award: Recognizes a woman aviation professional under the age of 40 who has demonstrated leadership through concrete action in favor of diversity and inclusion, making a positive impact on the industry. Open to all women professionals in the aviation industry.

Diversity & Inclusion Team Award: Recognizes an airline that has seen measurable positive change in diversity and inclusion as a result of the work it has been doing in this area. Open to all IATA member airlines.

“Diversity and inclusion are top priorities across the aviation industry—particularly as the industry competes for the next generation of talent to deliver the benefits of global connectivity. The IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards help accelerate progress by recognizing the leaders who are making a difference. By acknowledging the results that they have generated, we are aiming to inspire others to also take action to advance aviation’s gender balance. I encourage people to send in their nominations and look forward to shining the spotlight on the winners at our upcoming Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Istanbul,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Each award winner will receive $25,000 (payable to the awardee or their nominated charity for diversity and inclusion activities) thanks to the generous sponsorship of Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, HE Akbar Al Baker said: “We have taken several initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion within our airline, which we believe is essential to remain strong and have a broad representation where everyone can thrive in our industry. The IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards celebrate the efforts of all the organizations which is why we have been a supporter since the program was launched in 2019. We will continue to work collaboratively with IATA to inspire leaders in the industry, promote equality and make a positive impact by providing an inclusive environment.”

Gender diversity matters to travelers. The IATA Passenger Survey (November 2022) found that 64% of travelers prefer to fly with airlines that are leaders in gender diversity. The importance of gender diversity ranks even higher for younger age groups with 84% of 18- to 34-year-olds, and 77% of 35- to 44-year-olds, expressing a preference for airlines with a strong commitment to gender diversity.

This year’s nominations will be evaluated by an independent judging panel chaired by Karen Walker, Editor-in-Chief, Air Transport World, and consisting of the 2022 Awards recipients:

  • Güliz Öztürk, CEO of Pegasus Airlines;
  • Kanchana Gamage, Founder and Director of the Aviatrix Project;
  • Alina Aronberga, Senior VP Human Resources, airBaltic.

> Further details for the submission of nominations 

The winners of the 2023 IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards will be announced at IATA’s 79th Annual General Meeting & World Air Transport Summit.