IATA, AWS Launch Virtual Datathon to Boost Diversity in Aviation
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IATA, AWS Launch Virtual Datathon to Boost Diversity in Aviation

Photo by:   Uriel SC, Unsplash
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Sofía Hanna By Sofía Hanna | Journalist and Industry Analyst - Thu, 03/23/2023 - 11:53

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), is launching a virtual datathon to encourage the development of data-based solutions to further the aviation industry’s gender diversity. 

The datathon builds on the success of IATA’s 25by2025, a global initiative to change the gender balance within the aviation industry. “We are thrilled to be working with IATA on the virtual datathon, and it is brilliant to see the aviation sector working together to strengthen gender diversity within the industry in this way. Initiatives like this are instrumental in fostering global diversity and inclusion and will help us amplify underrepresented voices and empower diverse communities,” says Charlene-Elise Anderson, Leader Intergovernmental Organizations, AWS. 

The small number of women working as pilots, air traffic controllers and engineers shows that the industry is far from achieving gender equality. This imbalance also exists at a senior management level across many aviation and aerospace companies. According to the 2021 edition of “Women in Aviation: A Workforce Report,” key factors contributing to the underrepresentation of women in aviation, including aerospace engineering, involve negative workplace culture, as well as challenges disproportionately faced by women when navigating a work/life/family balance. In addition, the reports cite a lack of women in leadership positions and say there is a need for more youth outreach and for leadership to commit to diversity and inclusion. 

“The launch of the 25by2025 initiative in 2019 prompted the industry to take a closer look at the gender diversity of its workforce and take actions to make sure it is reflective of the societies it serves. The IATA and AWS diversity datathon is intended to strengthen further gender diversity in the industry, which complements the existing IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards,” says Jane Hoskisson, Director of Talent, Learning, Engagement and Diversity, IATA. This voluntary initiative is an initial step to make the aviation industry more gender balanced. With many airlines and industry partners already committing to 25by2025, the way is being paved for an industry that recognizes female talent and creates opportunities for them to thrive. 

Registration for the datathon started on March 22. The invitation is open to professionals in the airline industry, including those working at airlines, airports, software vendors, start-ups, systems integrators and other organizations working in aviation. All participants will be granted access to an AWS environment, enabling them to build their proofs of concept. All teams can join training sessions on technical and business topics held by AWS architects and industry specialists from IATA and its member airlines.

Photo by:   Uriel SC, Unsplash

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