IATA is leading a campaign to increase by 25% the number of women
in airline executive positions by 2025.
So far, China Eastern, Lufthansa and Qatar Airways have
committed to the 25by2025 Campaign, which IATA unveiled Thursday.
"The 25by2025 Campaign provides a global context and
encouragement for the many initiatives our members are already taking to
address the gender imbalance," IATA director general Alexandre de Juniac
said in a prepared remark. "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."
IATA estimates that just 3% of airline CEOs and 5% of
airline pilots worldwide are women. Airlines that choose to participate in the
campaign pledge to increase their number of female pilots and women in senior
positions either by 25% over the next five-plus years or to 25% by that
time.
Participating airlines will report annually on their
progress.
As part of the campaign, IATA has pledged to increase the percentage
of women in its senior management from the current 19% to 25% by 2025. The
organization will also work with airlines to increase the number of women they
appoint to IATA governance roles from the current 17% to 25%.