SkyTeam members unite in their commitment to close the gender gap
As SkyTeam advocates for greater gender diversity in the industry, we are delighted that all our member airlines have signed up to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 25by2025 initiative.Launched in 2019, 25by2025 is a voluntary commitment to increasing the number of women in senior positions and under-represented areas by 25%, or up to a minimum of 25%, by 2025.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, welcomed SkyTeam and our member airlines to the initiative, saying how improving diversity and inclusion will strengthen each of our members’ individual businesses and the industry as a whole.
“Being the first airline alliance to join 25by2025 sends a signal about the determination of the aviation industry to close the gender gap,” he said. “And it sets a positive example for others to follow as we continue to expand this critical industry commitment across the IATA membership and beyond.”
Our members have committed to:
- Increase the number of women in senior positions and under-represented areas by 25%, or up to a minimum of 25%, by 2025
- Report annually on key diversity metrics
- Increase female nominations from their airlines for IATA governance roles, to a minimum of 25%
Kristin Colvile, SkyTeam CEO was invited by IATA to deliver the keynote speech at the organization’s Diversity and Inclusion Awards, held at this year’s IATA AGM in Boston. Calling on all airline CEOs in the room to join the initiative, Kristin said, “Setting clear diversity goals via IATA’s initiative is one way we can build back stronger and make room for all of us.
“We need CEOs and executive teams who actively support and encourage female leadership development, build diversity into the culture through training and, by addressing unconscious biases, male and female, creating a safe and inspiring environment in which women can thrive.”
Amongst global airlines, Air France already stands out with CEO Anne Rigail at the head of the company and an exemplary board of directors comprising nine women out of 17 members.
Later this year, SkyTeam will launch a year-long development program to promote career advancement for female leaders across our membership.
SkyTeam’s RISE Leadership Program will provide mentoring, development opportunities and executive coaching to high potential female leaders from each of our member airlines.
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.