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Japan’s Aviation Leaders Appointed as ICAO Global Ambassadors

20 February 2026 at 16:23
Japan’s Aviation Leaders Appointed as ICAO Global Ambassadors

The future of the global aviation industry is taking flight from Tokyo as two of Japan’s most prominent female executives step into high-profile international roles. Japan Airlines (JAL) and ANA HOLDINGS (ANA HD) have officially announced the appointment of Ms. Kumiko Miyasaka and Ms. Tomoko Hoya as the first ICAO Global Ambassadors in Japan. This appointment, made by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), marks a significant step in Japan’s commitment to shaping the global aviation workforce of tomorrow.

The future of the global aviation industry is taking flight from Tokyo as two of Japan’s most prominent female executives step into high-profile international roles. Japan Airlines (JAL) and ANA HOLDINGS (ANA HD) have officially announced the appointment of Ms. Kumiko Miyasaka and Ms. Tomoko Hoya as the first ICAO Global Ambassadors in Japan. This appointment, made by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) following a recommendation from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau, marks a significant step in Japan’s commitment to shaping the global aviation workforce of tomorrow.

The newly launched ICAO Global Ambassadors Programme is a worldwide outreach initiative designed to utilise the expertise of industry role models to inspire the next generation of professionals. By showcasing diverse and rewarding career paths, the programme aims to foster widespread participation in the industry, specifically targeting youth and women.

This initiative is closely aligned with the ICAO Strategic Plan 2026-2050, which seeks to address critical goals such as achieving zero fatalities and net-zero carbon emissions. As ambassadors, Ms. Hoya (Executive Vice President and CSO at ANA HD) and Ms. Miyasaka (Managing Executive Officer at JAL) will engage in extensive outreach through educational institutions and international conferences. By drawing on their professional journeys, they aim to encourage young people to pursue careers in an industry that serves as a vital pillar for global transport and economic development

The newly launched ICAO Global Ambassadors Programme is a worldwide outreach initiative designed to utilise the expertise of industry role models to inspire the next generation of professionals. By showcasing diverse and rewarding career paths, the programme aims to foster widespread participation in the industry, specifically targeting youth and women.

A Strategic Vision for 2050

This initiative is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is closely aligned with the ICAO Strategic Plan 2026-2050. As the industry moves towards ambitious goals—including zero fatalities and net-zero carbon emissions—the need for fresh talent and diverse perspectives has never been more critical.

Following a recommendation from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau, ICAO designated the following leaders for the role:

  • Tomoko Hoya: Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at ANA HOLDINGS INC.
  • Kumiko Miyasaka: Managing Executive Officer and Senior Vice President at Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.

Moving forward, these ambassadors will engage in extensive outreach through educational institutions and international conferences. Their mission is to draw on their professional journeys to encourage young people to pursue “dreams in the sky” and to promote aviation as a vital pillar of global economic development.

Voices of Leadership

The appointments have been met with enthusiasm from both carriers, reflecting a unified front in Japanese aviation. Kumiko Miyasaka of JAL noted the unique power of aviation to bridge the globe and overcome physical barriers to foster human connection. “I hope to help more people understand the value of our industry and encourage them to pursue their dreams,” she commented.

Echoing this sentiment, Tomoko Hoya of ANA HD emphasised the importance of helping individuals realise their potential. As a Chief Sustainability Officer, her role as an ambassador will likely highlight the industry’s transition towards a greener, more inclusive future, providing a modern blueprint for aspiring professionals.

Driving Diversity and Sustainability

The ICAO works with 193 Member States to develop standards and policies that underpin international air transport. By appointing ambassadors from Japan’s two largest airlines, ICAO is tapping into a wealth of operational excellence and cultural insight.

The programme is expected to advance collaboration among stakeholders both in Japan and overseas, contributing to the sustainable development of the industry. For youth and women in Japan, seeing leaders from JAL and ANA on the global stage serves as a powerful reminder that the sky is no longer a limit, but a career destination.

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