The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that nominations have opened for second edition of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards which recognize and encourage industry excellence.

Nominations are now open in the three following categories:

- Inspirational Role Model: Will be presented to a woman who holds a senior position within the industry who has had a significant impact on the aviation agenda through her strong contribution to business delivery, as well as her ongoing support of the diversity & inclusion agenda. Open to all female participants in the aviation industry (IATA members and non-members alike). In 2019, the Award was presented to Christine Ourmières-Widener, the former CEO of Flybe.

- High Flyer: Designed to recognize one of aviation's young female professionals (i.e. under the age of 40) who has developed thought leadership through concrete action in favor of diversity & inclusion, making a positive impact on the industry. Open to all female professionals in the aviation industry (IATA members and non-members alike). Noutchemo Simo, Founder and President of the Young African Aviation Professional Association (YAAPA) was the recipient of this category in 2019.

- Diversity & Inclusion Team Award: Designed to recognize an airline that has seen measurable change in diversity and inclusion as a result of the work it has been doing in diversity and inclusion. Open to all IATA member airlines. The 2019 Award in this category was presented to Air New Zealand.

Nominations are open from 3 March until 30 April 2020. They will be judged by an independent panel consisting of the 2019 winners of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards. The 2020 Awards will be presented at IATA's 76th Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Amsterdam, the Netherlands (21-23 June 2020).

"Aviation needs to reflect the society we live in. Promoting diversity and inclusion makes us better and more sustainable businesses. To source the skills and talent needed to meet future demand, aviation needs role models who can inspire future generations of leaders. The inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Awards enabled us to highlight strong female leaders and dedicated teams who are driving the industry forward in this important area. I look forward to seeing equally impressive achievements highlighted by this year's applicants" said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA's Director General and CEO.

Qatar Airways continues to sponsor these prestigious awards. The winner in each category will receive $25,000 in prize money payable to the awardee or their nominated charity.

"Strong diverse leadership is key for the success of any organisation. In sponsoring these awards, we are committing to improve gender balance at Qatar Airways and to build an industry that recognizes and supports the ambitions of many people who contribute to improving diversity in aviation," said HE Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive.

Contributed by IATA