Zambia’s Mafunase Ngosa Malenga, founder and Managing Director of the Southern African Institute of Aviation Science and Technology, won the 2024 High Flyer award for her work in training African women in aviation and tourism-related skills.
The awards were announced at the 80th IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit that took place in Dubai, UAE.
The judging panel also awarded a special commendation in the High Flyer category to Hana Al Awahdi, Senior Vice President, Human Resources Business Partner for dnata.
“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. Their contributions to righting the gender balance in aviation are truly inspirational and deserving of today’s recognition,” said Yvonne Manzi Makolo, CEO of RwandAir and Chair of the IATA Board of Governors (2023-2024), who presented the awards.
“The quality of nominations gets more compelling every year as the results of aviation’s focus on diversity and inclusion become even more concrete. Real and important change has been affected by all the winners and our special commendation. By drawing attention to their impressive achievements, we hope to amplify that change even further,” said Karen Walker, Editor-in-Chief, Air Transport World and Chair of the judging panel.
“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. 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,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
The IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards are sponsored by Qatar Airways. Thanks to their generosity, each winner receives a prize of $25,000, payable to themselves or their nominated charities.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Qatar Airways is proud to once again sponsor the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards, shining the light on the incredible leaders that bring about positive change in the aviation industry. We congratulate this year’s winners on their remarkable achievements.”
The 2024 IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards were presented during the World Air Transport Summit (WATS), which followed the 80thIATA Annual General Meeting in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
High Flyer: Mafunase Ngosa Malenga, Founder and Managing Director, Southern Africa Institute of Aviation Science and Technology
Malenga is the founder of the Southern Africa Institute of Aviation Science and Technology which now has over 800 graduates, 80% of whom are women. This remarkable achievement reflects her unwavering commitment to providing opportunities for women in aviation. 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.
Malenga’s impact extends beyond the classroom. 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.
