New ICAO Programme Appoints Japanese Aviation Executives to Champion Industry Careers Diversity and Global Connectivity

(IN SHORT) Japan Airlines and ANA HOLDINGS have appointed senior executives Kumiko Miyasaka and Tomoko Hoya as ICAO Global Ambassadors in Japan under a newly launched international programme designed to inspire future aviation professionals and promote diversity in the sector. The initiative, aligned with ICAO’s Strategic Plan 2026–2050, will see the ambassadors engage in outreach through schools, conferences, and industry events, encouraging youth and women to explore aviation careers while highlighting the industry’s critical role in global transportation and economic development. Their participation is expected to strengthen collaboration across stakeholders and support the sustainable growth of aviation both in Japan and internationally.

(PRESS RELEASE) TOKYO, Japan, 2026-Feb-20 — /Travel PR News/ — Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) and ANA HOLDINGS INC. (ANA HD) have announced the appointment of Kumiko Miyasaka and Tomoko Hoya as ICAO Global Ambassadors in Japan, representing the International Civil Aviation Organization’s newly established outreach initiative aimed at strengthening the future aviation workforce.

The ICAO Global Ambassadors Programme, introduced this year, brings together respected aviation professionals from around the world to act as mentors, advocates, and role models. Aligned with the ICAO Strategic Plan 2026–2050, the initiative is designed to encourage broader participation in the aviation sector, with a particular focus on engaging young people and promoting opportunities for women by highlighting the wide range of career paths available across the industry.

The two Japanese ambassadors were nominated following a recommendation from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau. Tomoko Hoya, Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer of ANA HOLDINGS, and Kumiko Miyasaka, Managing Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Japan Airlines, will take on the role of promoting aviation awareness through educational outreach, speaking engagements, and participation in international forums.

Drawing on their leadership experience within two of Japan’s leading airline groups, both ambassadors are expected to help inspire the next generation to consider careers in aviation while underscoring the sector’s essential role in connecting societies, supporting economic growth, and enabling global mobility.

In their ambassadorial capacity, Miyasaka and Hoya will work with stakeholders in Japan and internationally to advance dialogue on workforce development, diversity, and sustainability in aviation. Their involvement is also intended to strengthen collaboration between industry, government, and educational institutions as the sector prepares for long-term transformation and growth.

The appointments reflect a shared commitment by JAL, ANA HD, and ICAO to nurture talent and foster a more inclusive aviation community while reinforcing the industry’s contribution to global connectivity and sustainable development.

Note to Editors:

About ICAO

Leading international civil aviation as a crucial driver of social and economic development, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is accelerating progress towards zero fatalities and net-zero carbon emissions in air transport for everyone, everywhere, in line with its Long-Term Strategic Plan for 2050. ICAO works with its 193 Member States and all air transport stakeholders to develop standards and policies for international civil aviation, and undertakes planning and capacity building activities to support their implementation by Member States.
For details about ICAO and the Global Ambassador Programme, visit: https://www.icao.int/

About JAL

Japan Airlines (JAL), Japan’s first private aviation company, was established in 1951 and is a member of the oneworld® Alliance. The airline operates a fleet of 232 aircraft (as of March 2025) and began renewing its international long-haul aircraft with the Airbus A350-1000 starting 2023 Winter Schedule. Together with other JAL Group and partner airlines, JAL offers an extensive domestic and international network that serves 395 airports across 68 countries/regions. The airline has received numerous accolades for its exceptional service, including being recognized as a certified 5-Star Airline by Skytrax and being awarded the prestigious “World Class” Airline title by APEX, the Airline Passenger Experience Association. The airline is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of flight safety and overall service quality, striving to be the most preferred airline by customers worldwide.
For details and to learn more, visit JAL’s official website at https://www.jal.com/en/

About ANA HOLDINGS

ANA HD was established in 2013 as the largest airline group holding company in Japan, comprising 73 companies. It offers three distinct airline brands: ANA, Peach, the leading LCC in Japan, and AirJapan, launched in 2024 for international routes covering Asia. ANA’s legacy of superior service has earned SKYTRAX’s 5-Star rating every year since 2013, making it the only Japanese airline to win this prestigious designation for 13 consecutive years. In 2025, ANA was honored with FlightGlobal’s Executive Leadership: Asia-Pacific Award for its visionary leadership and strategic growth. ANA is also a four-time recipient of the ATW Airline of the Year award, recognized for excellence in aviation. ANA HD has been selected as a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index list for eight consecutive years and the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index list for nine consecutive years.
For more information about ANA and ANA HD, please visit: https://www.ana.co.jp/group/en/

SOURCE: ANA HOLDINGS INC.