The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced Ms. Fiona Omondi, Ms. Rania Alturki and LATAM Airlines Group as the winners of the annual IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards.
According to IATA, the High Flyer Award was given to the Chief Strategy Officer, Tradewinds Aviation Services and Co-Founder, Women in Aviation International, Kenya, Ms. Fiona Omondi.
IATA stated that Ms. Omondi is “a trailblazer of the aviation industry in Africa who has co-founded Women in Aviation International Kenya with the aim of raising awareness of aviation careers and of supporting aspiring professionals through mentorship and outreach initiatives.”
IATA remarked that Ms. Omondi was also “instrumental in establishing the Tradewinds Training Academy, which provides access to globally recognized aviation training and focuses on supporting students in building the skills needed to enter the industry.” IATA noted further that “these efforts have helped make aviation career pathways more top of mind for young people across the region, which in return has contributed to developing a more diverse talent pipeline.”
Editor-in-Chief, Air Transport World and Chair of the judging panel, Keren Walker said: “Diversity and inclusion give opportunities for the broadest of talent pools to build long-term, sustainable careers. Moreover, it brings airlines even closer to the diverse communities they connect to global networks.”
IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh said: “Aviation competes for talent. In that context, the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards inspire the industry with great examples of the many initiatives underway. They are a strong signal to anyone considering working in our amazing industry that there are opportunities without boundaries for all to build rewarding careers in aviation. It is particularly encouraging to see the growing number of women in roles in the cockpit, on the ground in maintenance and engineering roles and in the CEO’s office. There is still much more progress to make, but it’s important to pause and recognize the changes that are happening and those that are leading the charge. Congratulations to all those nominated for the Awards and, of course, the winners.”
IATA said: “The IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards are generously sponsored by Qatar Airways. Through their support, each winner receives a prize of $25,000, payable either to themselves or their nominated charities.”
“The 2026 IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards were presented during the World Air Transport Summit (WATS), which followed the 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.” IATA added.
The other winners of the 2026 IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards are Ms. Rania Alturki, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Saudia Group for Inspirational Role Model, and LATAM Airlines Group for Diversity and Inclusion Team.
IATA Announces Fiona Omondi Winner of Diversity & Inclusion High Flyer Award
IATA Announces Ms. Fiona Omondi, Ms. Rania Alturki and LATAM Airlines Group As Winners Of The Diversity & Inclusion Award