Kenya Airways and 18 other SkyTeam members commit to IATA's 25by2025 initiative
Launched by IATA on September 26, 2019, the 25by2025 initiative, which is a voluntary commitment, aims to increase the number of women in airline leadership positions by 25% over current staffing levels, or a minimum representation of 25% by 2025.
On Thursday, September 9, SkyTeam, which groups 19 airlines including Kenya Airways, announced the alliance's membership in the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) 25by2025 initiative.
Echoing this initiative, SkyTeam member airlines commit to: increasing the number of women in leadership positions and underrepresented areas by 25%, or to a minimum of 25% by 2025; increasing their airlines' nominations of women for IATA governance roles to a minimum of 25%.
"SkyTeam members unanimously support IATA's 25by2025 initiative, working to close the gender gap to ensure greater representation of women in our industry and to better reflect the diversity of our customers," said Kristin Colvile, SkyTeam CEO and the first female CEO of a global airline alliance. "SkyTeam and its members are also working on a variety of programs and resources, including leadership and network development, to encourage female talent, increase the number of women in leadership positions and help encourage future generations of women to choose aviation as a career," she added.
In addition to Kenya Airways, the SkyTeam alliance includes Saudia, Middle East Airlines, Aeroflot, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Tarom, Vietnam Airlines and Xiamen Airlines.
"Being the first airline alliance to join 25by2025 sends a signal about the aviation industry's determination to close the gender gap," said IATA Director General Willie Walsh. "Keeping this commitment to improving diversity and inclusion will strengthen their business and the industry as a whole.
Later this year, SkyTeam plans to launch a year-long development program to promote the career advancement of women leaders among its members. SkyTeam's RISE leadership program - rolled out across its 19 members - will provide mentoring, a series of development opportunities and executive coaching to women leaders at each SkyTeam member airline. RISE is sponsored by Anne Rigail, CEO of Air France, and James Wang, Chairman of China Eastern Investment Company and Chairman of the SkyTeam Executive Board, both of whom are committed to increasing gender diversity and inclusion in the airline industry.
To date, 62 airlines worldwide, including Air Botswana and TAAG Angola in Africa, have committed to IATA's 25by2021 initiative.
