New global platform launched for the next generation of sustainable aviation leaders

Montréal, 22 September 2025 – Emerging Leaders in Sustainable Aviation (ELSA), a new global initiative focused on empowering future leaders in the aviation industry to lead the industry’s net zero transition, has been launched today at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Innovation Fair. 

Climate change is recognised as the biggest challenge facing aviation. The professionals who will be in leadership roles from the 2030s onward need to be equipped today with the skills, networks and knowledge to guide the industry through this transition. ELSA ensures that the next generation has the tools to drive meaningful change.

ELSA provides an independent platform for anyone aged 35 and under, passionate about sustainability and aviation, to connect and exchange with peers and established leaders in the sector, through virtual events, networking and thought leadership. ELSA will host inspiring talks and interactive workshops and events featuring leading voices in the aviation industry.

The initiative has been developed by a taskforce of 13 young professionals from across the industry under the umbrella of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG). Many of these individuals are continuing their support of ELSA through their involvement in the established Executive Committee, which is chaired by Amy Strang, Environment and Sustainability Marketing Manager at Airbus.

For more information on ELSA or to sign up as a member, young professionals from all disciplines are encouraged to visit www.elsa-network.org.

Amy Strang, Chair at ELSA commented:  

“We are honored to have launched the Emerging Leaders in Sustainable Aviation initiative at the ICAO Innovation Fair today. ELSA is unique in being focused entirely on young professionals in sustainable aviation and is an important resource in empowering our future leaders to deliver sector-wide decarbonisation. This is a space I’m incredibly passionate about and I encourage anyone 35 and under, interested in sustainable aviation, to get involved in ELSA and join us on this journey.”

Haldane Dodd, Executive Director at ATAG commented: 

“Decarbonising aviation is an enormous challenge for not only our lifetime, but for generations to come. It will be today’s young professionals who will carry this work forward. With ELSA, we are proud to support a platform that connects emerging leaders and equips them with the skills and networks to accelerate this transformation. The passion of young leaders around the world will be essential in securing the future of civil aviation beyond 2050.”

Source: ELSA Network