The International Air Transport Association (IATA – the representative body for the global airline industry) and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are working together to promote greater gender diversity in the aviation industry, worldwide. They are doing so through a virtual datathon, which was launched on Wednesday. The datathon is intended to stimulate the development of data-based solutions to highlight the benefits to companies of greater gender diversity.

“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,” highlighted IATA director talent, learning, engagement and diversity Jane Hoskisson. “The ‘IATA & AWS diversity datathon’ is intended to further strengthen gender diversity in the industry, which complements the existing IATA Diversity and Inclusion Awards.”

Registration for the Datathon opened on Wednesday. It is open to airline industry professionals, including those in airlines, airports, systems integrators, software vendors, startups and any other entities working in aviation. All those who participate will have access to an AWS environment in which they can create their proofs of concept. All participating teams will also have the opportunity to join training sessions run by AWS architects and IATA, and its member airlines and industry specialists. These training sessions will cover technical and business topics.

Participants will have to address one of two set challenges. Option one is – how can data and/or new technologies be used to show the effect of diversity, equity and inclusion to CEOs? Option two is – how can data and/or new technologies be used by airlines to redress the gender imbalance in flight crew and other technical personnel?

“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,” affirmed AWS leader intergovernmental organisations Charlene-Elise Anderson. “Initiatives like this are instrumental in fostering diversity and inclusion globally and will help us all amplify underrepresented voices and empower diverse communities.”