The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the winners of the 2024 IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards. These prestigious awards honor individuals and teams who promote diversity and inclusion within the aviation industry.
Inspiring Role Model: Kendra Kincade, CEO and Founder, Elevate Aviation
Kendra Kincade, the founder and CEO of Elevate Aviation, has led numerous programs to improve gender balance in the aviation sector. These include a mentorship program, a cross-country tour in Canada, and the Elevate Aviation Learning Center, which focuses on aviation awareness and education. Kincade also runs a free nine-week program to equip women with the knowledge and skills needed for aviation careers, along with a one-week “Aviation Career Exploration” experience for youth. Her documentary “Only Up” aims to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.
High Flyer: Mafunase Ngosa Malenga, Founder and CEO, Southern Africa Aviation Science and Technology Institute
Mafunase Ngosa Malenga, founder and CEO of the Southern Africa Aviation Science and Technology Institute, has graduated over 800 students, 80% of whom are women. Malenga’s efforts to encourage young women to pursue careers in aviation are breaking gender barriers and promoting a more diverse and inclusive aviation sector in Africa.
Diversity and Inclusion Team: British Airways
British Airways launched the “Inclusion Starts with I” campaign in September 2023, focusing on promoting diversity and inclusion. This campaign supports the airline’s strategy to increase ethnic and gender representation across the company. The airline has achieved its goal of 40% female representation in leadership roles one year ahead of schedule and has completed inclusive leadership training programs.
Special Recognition for High Flyers: Hana Al Awahdi, Senior Vice President, HR Business Partner, dnata
Under Hana Al Awahdi’s leadership, women now hold 29% of leadership roles in dnata’s UAE operations. Al Awahdi has spearheaded innovative initiatives such as bias-breaking training for senior executives, mentorship programs, and a “maternity coaching” program to support mothers during their maternity leave.
Judging Panel and Award Ceremony
RwandAir CEO and IATA Board Chair Yvonne Manzi Makolo, who presented the awards, noted that the contributions of the winners to gender balance in aviation are inspiring. Karen Walker, Editor-in-Chief of Air Transport World and head of the judging panel, emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion in the aviation sector. IATA Director General Willie Walsh congratulated all the winners and highlighted the significance of making aviation a great career choice for all genders.
Sponsorship by Qatar Airways
The IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards are sponsored by Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer congratulated the winners, acknowledging their role in driving positive change in the aviation industry.
The 2024 IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards were presented at the World Air Transport Summit (WATS), held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, following the 80th IATA Annual General Meeting.
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