The awards programme features three categories. The
Inspirational Role Model Award recognises a woman holding a senior position
within the air transport industry who has had substantial impact on diversity
and inclusion in aviation through her significant influence at global level.
The High Flyer Award recognises a female aviation professional under the age of
40 who has demonstrated leadership through concrete action in favour of
diversity and inclusion, making a positive impact on the industry.
The Diversity & Inclusion Team Award recognises an
airline that has achieved measurable positive change in diversity and inclusion
as a result of the work undertaken in this area. Nominations in this category
are open to all IATA member airlines.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, said: “A
diverse and inclusive aviation sector is essential to attract the talent needed
to support the growth of the industry and enable it to deliver connectivity
that underpins trade, tourism, jobs, and economic development. I look forward
to seeing another impressive set of nominations reflecting the many efforts
across our industry to ensure that aviation can be a rewarding career choice
for all. If you have experienced excellence in this area, tell us about it in a
nomination and help inspire others,”.
Each of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards
includes a USD 25,000 prize, sponsored by Qatar Airways. The prize is payable
either directly to the recipient or to a charity of their choice supporting
diversity and inclusion.
In a statement, Qatar Airways said: “Diversity is fundamental to aviation and to the way our industry operates every day. Working across cultures and backgrounds is what makes aviation a dynamic and inspiring workplace. As the World’s Best Airline, Qatar Airways is proud to be a long-standing partner of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards and recognize the individuals and teams driving progress for our industry’s long-term success,”.
An independent judging panel chaired by Karen Walker, Editor-in-Chief, Air
Transport World, will evaluate the nominations. The panel
comprises the 2025 awardees: Claudia Zapata-Cardone,
President of the Latin Professionals in Aerospace (LPA), winner of
the Inspirational Role Model Award; Katherine Moloney, Founder of
Elevate (her) Aviation, winner of the High Flyer Award; and Christianna
Scott, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Air
Canada, representing the Diversity & Inclusion Team Award.
The winners of the 2026 IATA Diversity & Inclusion
Awards will be announced at IATA’s 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) & World
Air Transport Summit (WATS), taking place from 6–8 June 2026
in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Nominations close on 5 April.
Tags: Willie Walsh, IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards 2026
