The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the opening of nominations for the 2026 edition of the IATA Inspirational Role Model Award, IATA High Flyer Award and IATA Diversity & Inclusion Team Awards.
Each award includes a USD 25,000 cash prize, sponsored by Qatar Airways, payable either directly to the recipient or to a charity of their choice supporting diversity and inclusion.
The Role Model Awards recognize excellence in the promotion of diversity and inclusion in the aviation industry that recognizes a woman holding a senior position within the air transport industry who has had a substantial impact on diversity and inclusion in aviation through her significant influence at global level.
Likewise, the High Flyer Award recognizes a female aviation professional under the age of 40 who has demonstrated leadership through concrete action in favor of diversity and inclusion, making a positive impact on the industry.
Diversity Award recognizes an airline that has achieved measurable positive change in diversity and inclusion as a result of the work done in this area. However, nominations in this category are open to all IATA member airlines.
The winners will be announced at IATA’s 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) & World Air Transport Summit (WATS) on 6-8 June 2026, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Nominations close on 5 April, said IATA that represents over 360 airlines accounting for some 85% of global air traffic.
“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,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
“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,” said Qatar Airways.
An independent judging panel chaired by Karen Walker, Editor-in-Chief, Air Transport World will evaluate the nominations. The panel consists of the 2025 awardees, namely: Inspirational Role Model: Claudia Zapata-Cardone, President of the Latin Professionals in Aerospace (LPA), High Flyer: Katherine Moloney, Founder of Elevate (her) Aviation, Diversity & Inclusion Team: Christianna Scott, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Air Canada.
