Japan Airlines and ANA Leaders Appointed as ICAO Global Ambassadors in Japan
Japan Airlines and ANA HOLDINGS INC. have jointly announced the appointment of two senior female executives as ICAO Global Ambassadors in Japan for the International Civil Aviation Organization. The newly launched ICAO Global Ambassadors Programme represents a strategic global outreach initiative designed to leverage the expertise, visibility, and leadership of accomplished aviation professionals to inspire the next generation of talent. Through this initiative, ICAO aims to elevate awareness of aviation careers, promote diversity and inclusion, and strengthen long-term workforce development aligned with the evolving needs of the global air transport sector.
Introduction to the ICAO Global Ambassadors Programme
The ICAO Global Ambassadors Programme was formally introduced this year as part of a broader effort to enhance global engagement across the aviation ecosystem. The programme is closely aligned with the International Civil Aviation Organization Strategic Plan 2026–2050, which outlines a long-term roadmap for safe, secure, sustainable, and resilient international civil aviation. Recognizing that the future of aviation depends on attracting highly skilled and diverse professionals, ICAO has designed the Ambassadors Programme to serve as a bridge between established industry leaders and aspiring young professionals around the world. By appointing respected aviation executives as ambassadors, ICAO intends to highlight the wide array of rewarding career paths available in aviation, from flight operations and engineering to sustainability, digital innovation, safety oversight, and executive leadership.
Designation of Japan’s ICAO Global Ambassadors
Following a formal recommendation from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau, two distinguished leaders were designated as ICAO Global Ambassadors in Japan. The selected ambassadors are Ms. Tomoko Hoya, Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer of ANA HOLDINGS INC., and Ms. Kumiko Miyasaka, Managing Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.. Their appointments reflect not only their individual professional achievements but also Japan’s commitment to strengthening global cooperation and promoting inclusive growth within the aviation sector. Both leaders bring decades of experience in airline management, operational excellence, corporate governance, and sustainability strategy, positioning them as influential voices capable of motivating future aviation professionals.
Advancing ICAO’s Strategic Vision for 2026–2050
The ICAO Strategic Plan 2026–2050 emphasizes innovation, environmental responsibility, safety enhancement, and inclusive participation across the aviation industry. Through the Global Ambassadors Programme, ICAO seeks to transform these strategic priorities into tangible engagement initiatives at the national and regional levels. The participation of leaders from Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. and ANA HOLDINGS INC. reinforces Japan’s alignment with global aviation objectives, particularly in areas such as sustainability, decarbonization, digital transformation, and workforce diversity. By serving as role models, the ambassadors will help translate high-level strategic goals into accessible narratives that resonate with students, young professionals, and women considering careers in aviation.
Outreach Through Education and International Platforms
As ICAO Global Ambassadors, Ms. Miyasaka and Ms. Hoya will engage in extensive outreach and awareness-building activities across educational institutions, aviation forums, and international conferences. Their roles will include delivering keynote speeches, participating in panel discussions, mentoring emerging professionals, and collaborating with academic institutions to promote aviation-related studies. These engagements will extend beyond Japan to international platforms, reinforcing the interconnected nature of the global aviation industry. By sharing personal insights into their professional journeys, challenges, and achievements, the ambassadors will help demystify executive leadership roles in aviation and encourage broader participation from underrepresented groups.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals
Aviation remains one of the most dynamic and globally interconnected industries, underpinning international trade, tourism, and economic development. However, sustaining its long-term growth requires a steady pipeline of skilled and diverse professionals. Through the ICAO Global Ambassadors Programme, the International Civil Aviation Organization aims to inspire young people to explore careers in flight operations, aircraft maintenance, air traffic management, airport operations, sustainability, digital systems, and executive management. The involvement of senior executives from Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. and ANA HOLDINGS INC. underscores the message that leadership roles in aviation are attainable and that diverse perspectives are critical to industry innovation and resilience.
Leadership Perspective from Japan Airlines
Ms. Kumiko Miyasaka, Managing Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Japan Airlines Co., Ltd., expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to represent Japan’s aviation sector within this global initiative. She emphasized that aviation possesses a unique ability to connect people and cultures by overcoming geographical barriers and fostering meaningful human interaction. According to her remarks, serving as an ICAO Global Ambassador provides an opportunity to communicate the essential value of aviation to society while encouraging young individuals to pursue ambitious career goals within the industry. Her leadership background within Japan Airlines equips her with firsthand insight into operational excellence, corporate strategy, and international network development, enabling her to present a comprehensive perspective on aviation’s societal contributions.
Leadership Perspective from ANA Holdings
Ms. Tomoko Hoya, Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer of ANA HOLDINGS INC., similarly conveyed her honor in accepting the ambassadorial role. She highlighted the immense value of aviation as a driver of global mobility, economic opportunity, and cultural exchange. In her statement, she underscored the importance of encouraging individuals to recognize their potential within the aviation field and to pursue professional growth in an industry that continually evolves through technological and environmental innovation. As Chief Sustainability Officer, Ms. Hoya’s expertise extends to environmental strategy, carbon reduction initiatives, and long-term resilience planning, areas that are central to the aviation sector’s transformation in the coming decades.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion Across the Industry
One of the core objectives of the ICAO Global Ambassadors Programme is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the aviation workforce. Historically, certain segments of the aviation industry have experienced gender imbalances and limited representation in technical and leadership roles. By appointing accomplished female executives as ambassadors, ICAO sends a powerful message about the importance of representation and equal opportunity. Through mentorship initiatives, public engagements, and educational outreach, the ambassadors will work to create inclusive pathways for women and underrepresented communities, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to equitable participation.
Strengthening Collaboration Among Stakeholders
Beyond inspiring individuals, the ambassadors will play a critical role in advancing collaboration among aviation stakeholders within Japan and internationally. Their activities will foster closer relationships between airlines, regulatory authorities, educational institutions, industry associations, and global organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization. By facilitating dialogue and knowledge exchange, the ambassadors will contribute to a coordinated approach toward workforce development, sustainability, safety standards, and innovation. Such collaboration is essential to ensuring that aviation remains resilient in the face of technological shifts, environmental challenges, and evolving passenger expectations.
Supporting Sustainable Development in Aviation
Sustainability remains one of the defining challenges and opportunities for the global aviation industry. The involvement of senior leaders from ANA HOLDINGS INC. and Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. reinforces the programme’s commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term viability. Through public engagement and industry collaboration, the ambassadors will highlight efforts to reduce carbon emissions, adopt sustainable aviation fuels, improve operational efficiency, and integrate innovative technologies. Their participation aligns with ICAO’s broader sustainability framework, ensuring that workforce development and environmental responsibility progress hand in hand.
Elevating Japan’s Role in Global Aviation Leadership
The appointment of two prominent Japanese aviation executives as ICAO Global Ambassadors also underscores Japan’s active role in shaping the future of global air transport. As home to major international carriers and advanced aerospace capabilities, Japan continues to contribute to safety innovation, operational reliability, and sustainability advancements. Through the ambassadors’ international engagements, Japan’s expertise and leadership perspectives will be represented on the global stage, strengthening cross-border partnerships and reinforcing shared commitments to safe and sustainable aviation growth.
A Unified Commitment to the Future of Aviation
Through their participation in the ICAO Global Ambassadors Programme, Ms. Kumiko Miyasaka and Ms. Tomoko Hoya will serve as influential advocates for aviation’s future. Their leadership reflects a shared commitment by Japan Airlines Co., Ltd., ANA HOLDINGS INC., and the International Civil Aviation Organization to cultivate a skilled, diverse, and forward-looking workforce. By engaging students, mentoring young professionals, participating in global forums, and advancing collaborative initiatives, they will help ensure that aviation continues to function as a cornerstone of global connectivity and economic development for decades to come.
Source Link:https://press.jal.co.jp/