Malaysia Aviation Group Progresses Towards 25by2025 Goals, Achieves 50% Female Representation in Senior Management Positions

KLIA, 6 March 2024 – Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, is proud to announce significant progress in advancing female representation within its workforce. Since committing to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 25by2025 initiative in 2021, MAG has exceeded its target, achieving 34% overall participation of women in its workforce.

The Group has also seen significant increase in the representation of women in key leadership positions. Currently, women hold 50% of senior management roles and 44% of middle management positions, showcasing the Group’s dedication to empowering women in decision-making capacities and underscoring its dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace environment.

25by2025 is a voluntary initiative for all aviation stakeholders to strengthen and improve female representation in the industry by 25%, or up to a minimum of 25% by 2025.

The Group is also dedicated to enhancing the representation of women in traditionally underrepresented roles, such as pilots and engineers. While acknowledging that there is still progress to be made, MAG has made notable advancements in this area. The number of female management pilots has risen from 0% in 2021 to 5% in 2024, whereas female engineers have increased from 6% to 8% and female technicians from 5% to 8%. The Group remains committed to investing in initiatives that promote equal opportunities in the aviation industry, which has historical dominance. Prioritising inclusion and diversity is an integral component in building a resilient workforce capable of meeting challenges of the future. 

In addition to boosting female representation, MAG has implemented various initiatives to facilitate the professional development and career progression of women within the aviation industry. Notably, the Group launched the Women at MAG (W@M) initiative in March 2022. This membership platform is designed to enhance organisational performance by championing diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the workplace. W@M strives to attract and retain talent, build trust and commitment, promote innovation, and establish a community based on mutual respect and cohesiveness.

Lau Yin May, Group Chief Customer Experience Officer and Chairperson of W@M, said, “At MAG, we recognise the invaluable contributions of women to the success of our organisation. We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating an environment where every individual, regardless of gender or background, can thrive and excel in their duties. As MAG continues its journey towards achieving gender parity, the Group remains resolute in its commitment to upholding the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. By fostering a workplace culture that celebrates differences and empowers individuals, MAG aims to set a benchmark for gender diversity and inclusion within the aviation industry, enabling our workforce to contribute positively to the organisation and the wider communities we serve.”

Guided by the MAG Sustainability Blueprint, which was launched in 2021, MAG remains committed to promoting socio-economic development and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 by taking proactive measures in all aspects of its operations encompassing environmental, economic, social, safety & security, and governance. The Group has since achieved several milestones, including the launch of Malaysia Airlines’ voluntary carbon offset programme, the acquisition of 12 towbarless tug units to operate electrical pushback of its aircraft, issuance of two comprehensive Sustainability Reports, among other initiatives that contribute to its broader sustainability journey.

In conjunction with International Women's Day on 8 March, Malaysia Airlines will be offering special treats for women at its Golden Lounges at KL International Airport. Women travelling on this day will be treated to specially curated mocktails and cupcakes, as a token of appreciation for their contributions as a gesture of gratitude. The Group has also released a video that showcases the diverse role women play in contributing to the success of the organisation. View the full video on Malaysia Airlines’ official Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Tik Tok accounts.