Airlines are aiming to narrow the gender imbalance in the air travel sector, with a new target of at least one in every four related-jobs to be occupied by women-folks by 2025.
With half of the world made up of women, the airlines, under the aegis of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), are inviting more women with sought after aviation technical and policy qualifications and experience.
IATA, the clearing house for 290 airlines worldwide, at the launch of the voluntary campaign, drew commitments from airlines to increase the number of women in senior positions by either 25 per cent against currently reported metrics or to minimum representation of 25 per cent by 2025.
Also, to increase the number of women in under-represented jobs like pilots and operations by either 25 per cent against currently reported metrics or to a minimum representation of 25 per cent by 2025.
IATA member airlines that have already signed up to the 25 by 2025 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 five per cent of the global pilot population and three per cent of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), the gender imbalance in the industry is clear.
IATA’s Director General and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac, said aviation is the business of freedom, and 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 25 by 2025 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 25 by 2025 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,” de Juniac said.
In addition to the commitments from member airlines under the 25 by 2025 Campaign, IATA will also be increasing the representation of women in IATA’s senior management from the current 19 per cent to at least 25 per cent by 2025.
Also, working with member airlines to increase the number of women they appoint to IATA governance roles from the current 17 per cent to a minimum of 25 per cent by 2025.
Similarly, ensuring that the number of women participating as panelists or speakers at IATA conferences is a minimum of 25 per cent by 2025 and creating a forum for sharing diversity and inclusion initiatives and best practices across the industry and publishing yearly industry statistics on gender diversity.
