IATA 25by2025 Initiative: Driving Gender Balance in Aviation
Launched in 2019 by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the 25by2025 initiative is a global, voluntary commitment aimed at addressing gender imbalance in the aviation industry. Recognizing the underrepresentation of women, particularly in senior leadership and technical roles, IATA created this initiative to catalyze measurable change across the sector.
The core goal of 25by2025 is simple yet powerful: to increase the number of women in senior positions and underrepresented areas by 25%, or up to a minimum of 25%, by the end of 2025. This target applies to both IATA member airlines and non-member aviation-related organizations. The initiative also encourages a minimum of 25% female representation in IATA governance roles and at industry events, panels, and conferences.
Since its inception, 25by2025 has gained momentum, with over 200 signatories committing to transparent reporting, sharing best practices, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. IATA supports these efforts by providing tools such as a DE&I maturity self-assessment survey, benchmarking data, and a best practice guide tailored specifically to the aviation industry.
The impact of the initiative is captured in IATA’s Gender in Aviation Report (September 2024), which provides a comprehensive overview of progress, challenges, and opportunities. The report serves as a foundational document for shaping future strategies and policies to ensure sustainable gender equity in aviation.
25by2025 is more than a target, it is a movement. It has become a unifying platform for collaboration, learning, and accountability, helping to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive aviation industry for generations to come.
