Flying Toward a Greener Horizon: ANA's Chief Sustainability Officer Brings Forward ANA's Sustainability Visions Appointed as an ICAO Global Ambassador, ANA Group's CSO, Tomoko Hoya, reflects on building a career in the skies through a more sustainable industry on the ground.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations agency that establishes global standards and regulations for international aviation, launched the ICAO Global Ambassadors Programme, a worldwide initiative designed to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals through the expertise of role models and industry leaders.
In February 2026, the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) designated two ICAO Global Ambassadors in Japan, one of whom is Tomoko Hoya, Executive Vice President and Group Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) of ANA Holdings Inc. (ANA HD).
Hoya's journey at ANA began in 1992 as a cabin attendant. Over the years, she has transitioned through various roles, including positions at the Operations Support Center, Vice President of Administration for Asia and Oceania, and Vice President of DEI Promotion at ANA HD.
In this installment of ANA Stories, we sat down with Hoya to discuss her role as an ICAO Global Ambassador and ANA Group’s ESG initiatives.
ICAO Global Ambassadors Programme
In addition to inspiring future aviation professionals, the ICAO Global Ambassadors Programme is designed to raise awareness of ICAO and promote diversity within the sector.
“Through seminars and workshops at educational institutions and networking events at conferences such as ‘Aviation Day,’ ICAO Global Ambassadors work to communicate the appeal and importance of the aviation industry,” said Hoya.
While some countries feature ambassadors drawn from government aviation authorities, Japan's ambassadors were selected by the JCAB from candidates at airlines, including ANA.
“We see this approach as an expectation that airline representatives can bring firsthand operational expertise to maintain a presence both domestically and internationally,” said Hoya. “I believe the JCAB recognizes ambassadors for building a substantial career in the sector and for their achievements within the field.”
Role as Group CSO
As Executive Vice President and Group CSO, Hoya is at the center of the ANA Group’s efforts to build a more sustainable future for aviation. Those efforts span a wide range of initiatives, including accelerating Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) adoption to 10% of total fuel use by 2030 and exploring negative emissions technologies (NETs). In the cabin, the group is equally focused, working to replace disposable plastics with paper and wood-based alternatives and reducing food waste by 50% by fiscal year 2050.
Guiding it all is the ANA Group's commitment to reducing CO₂ emissions from flight operations by at least 10% by fiscal year 2030 (compared to FY2019) and achieving net-zero by 2050.
“Sustainability is not a box to check, it is a responsibility that touches every corner of how we operate, from the fuel powering our aircraft to the cup a passenger holds on board,” said Hoya. “It demands action at every level of our organization, and it is something all of us have a role in advancing.”
For Hoya, the work is as much about people as it is about initiatives. Building a culture where sustainability is felt at every level of the organization, and where every employee understands their role in it, is just as important as the commitments on paper.
Looking to the future
“As an ICAO Global Ambassador, I look forward to engaging in activities so that everyone around the world can learn about the allure of aviation and recognize the importance and value of the industry,” Hoya said.
“As an airline, we connect the skies, enabling people around the world to interact and deepen their understanding. We also facilitate logistics, contributing to the realization of richer lives. And in times of disaster, we fulfill a vital role as critical infrastructure for saving lives,” Hoya adds. “Aviation contributes directly to the vision of society that the ANA Group aspires to achieve—peaceful, prosperous, with a vibrant economy and a sustainable future.”
In her role as ANA Group CSO, Hoya acknowledges the challenges of reducing CO₂ emissions from aircraft operations.
“Currently, the supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is limited and estimated to cost approximately four times that of conventional jet fuel,” said Hoya. “While ANA Group continues to make efforts to optimize its flight operations, the gap won't lessen without bold technological innovation, deeper cooperation from the energy industry and stronger government support.”
For Hoya and the ANA Group, the road to net-zero is not without its obstacles, but it is one they are committed to navigating, together with industry partners, governments and the next generation of aviation leaders.
To learn more about the ANA Group's ESG commitments and progress, visit the ANA Group Sustainability website.