The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which is the global representative body for the airline industry, has announced at its AGM, in Dubai, that Zambia’s Mafunase Ngosa Malenga is the winner of its 2024 High Flyer Award, one of the three IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards. She is the founder and MD of the Southern Africa Institute of Aviation Science and Technology.

The IATA citation pointed out that the institute now had more than 800 graduates, and that 80% of them were women. “This remarkable achievement reflects her unwavering commitment to providing opportunities for women in aviation,” highlighted the citation. “Many of these graduates are now employed in various roles within airlines, airports, cargo companies, and travel agencies, contributing to the growth and diversity of the industry across the continent.”

The citation further highlighted her role outside of the institute. “She actively encourages young women to pursue their dreams in aviation. By breaking down gender barriers and challenging stereotypes, Malenga is paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive aviation sector in Africa.”

This year, the judging panel also awarded a Special Commendation, in the High Flyer category, to United Arab Emirates (UAE) ground service provider dnata senior VP human resources business partner Hanah Al Awahdi. This was for her role in increasing the proportion of women in leadership roles in dnata in the UAE to 29% and to her recruitment of people with disabilities.

The other two IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards were the Inspirational Role Model, and the Diversity & Inclusion Team.

The Inspirational Role Model Award went to Canada’s Kendra Kincade, founder and CEO of Elevate Aviation. This was in recognition of her role in developing a series of programmes to increase the gender balance in the Canadian aviation industry. The Diversity & Inclusion Team Award went to British Airways.

“The winners are true beacons of the change that is happening as diversity and inclusion entrenches itself as a strategic priority for the aviation industry,” affirmed IATA 2023-2024 Board of Governors chairperson and RwandAir CEO Yvonne Manzi Makolo. “Their contributions to righting the gender balance in aviation are truly inspirational and deserving of [this] recognition.”

“I congratulate the winners and all who were nominated. Ensuring that aviation is a great career choice for all genders is critical because it helps our businesses individually,” stressed IATA director-general Willie Walsh. “It makes the industry stronger, and it is what our customers expect. All those nominated, and particularly the winners, have moved aviation in the right direction.”