All 19 SkyTeam member airlines have signed up to IATA’s 25by2025 initiative, as the global airline alliance advocates for greater gender diversity in the industry. Launched in 2019, 25by2025 is a voluntary commitment to increasing the number of women in senior positions and under-represented areas by 25 per cent, or up to a minimum of 25 per cent, by 2025.

In responding to IATA’s 25by 2025 initiative, SkyTeam airline members commit to:

• Increasing the number of women in senior positions and under-represented areas by 25 per cent, or up to a minimum of 25 per cent, by 2025
• Reporting annually on key diversity metrics
• Increasing female nominations from their airlines for IATA governance roles to a minimum of 25 per cent

“SkyTeam members unanimously support IATA’s 25by2025 initiative, working to close the gender gap to ensure greater representation for women in our industry and to better reflect the diversity of our customers,” said SkyTeam CEO Kristin Colvile, the first female CEO of a global airline alliance.

“SkyTeam and its members are also working on a variety of programmes and resources, including leadership and network development, to nurture female talent, increase the number of women in senior executive positions and help encourage future generations of women to choose aviation as a career.”

Among global airlines, Air France already stands out from the crowd with a woman, Anne Rigail, at the head of the company and an exemplary board of directors comprising nine women out of 17 members.

“At Air France we do all we can to take action and promote access for women to positions of responsibility. We are committed to providing women with access to certain professions, particularly in technical fields, which may have traditionally been seen as being reserved for men. Encouraging diversity in all forms allows the whole company to progress,” said Anne Rigail, CEO Air France.

Later this year, SkyTeam plans to launch a year-long development programme to promote career advancement for female leaders across its membership. SkyTeam’s RISE Leadership Programme – rolling out across all 19 members – will provide mentoring, a series of development opportunities and executive coaching to high potential female leaders from each SkyTeam airline member.

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.

Last month, IATA commended the European Commission for its leadership and speed in delivering the EU Digital Covid Certificate (DCC) and urged states to make it their global standard for digital vaccine certificates.