The International Air Transport Association has appointed Lahore-born economist Saadia Zahidi as its next director general. She will become the first woman to lead the influential global airline body.
Zahidi will take charge on November 1, becoming IATA’s ninth director general. Current chief Willie Walsh will conclude his duties on July 31. Chief Financial Officer Sandrine Le Borgne will serve as interim director general during the three-month transition.
Read More: From Caviar to Private Suites: Emirates Wins World’s Top Airline Honor
Zahidi currently serves as a managing director and Managing Board member at the World Economic Forum. She has spent more than two decades at the organisation and leads its Centre for the New Economy and Society.
IATA Says Zahidi Will Bring Fresh Perspective
“The board is very pleased to appoint Saadia Zahidi as director general of IATA. Saadia’s long and outstanding experience at the World Economic Forum will enhance and strengthen IATA as the voice of the world’s airlines,” the organisation said.
It added: “Saadia brings the right skills to effectively articulate what our industry needs to continue connecting people and economies safely, efficiently, and sustainably.”
The board said Zahidi would bring a fresh perspective while building on IATA’s technical, financial and data capabilities.
Read More: Emirates unveils viral new headrest to transform economy travel
Accepting the appointment, Zahidi said: “I look forward to working closely with our member airlines, governments, and the ecosystem of partners to build on IATA’s remarkable foundation, ensuring aviation continues to connect the world while embracing innovation, strengthening resilience, and advancing sustainable growth.”
Zahidi wrote Fifty Million Rising, which traces the growing participation of working women across the Muslim world. She holds a BA in Economics from Smith College. She also earned an MPhil in International Economics from The Graduate Institute and an MPA from Harvard University.
New Chief Faces Aviation Industry Headwinds
The Geneva-based organisation has traditionally selected former airline chief executives or board members for its top role. Zahidi enters as an economist from outside aviation, giving IATA a different leadership profile.
She will take charge as airlines confront geopolitical disruption, economic uncertainty and higher operating costs. Oil prices have climbed above $100 per barrel amid conflict in the Middle East, increasing pressure on fuel-intensive carriers.
IATA also faces growing scrutiny over aviation emissions. Airlines have committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, limited sustainable aviation fuel and delays in receiving efficient aircraft threaten that goal.
Read More: Japan Airlines Tests Humanoid Robots to Take Over Cargo Jobs at Tokyo Airport
Zahidi has previously warned that immediate geopolitical and economic concerns can divert attention from environmental risks. During a World Economic Forum discussion in January, she expressed concern that executives were deprioritising environmental issues while focusing on trade tensions.
Her appointment places a Pakistani-born woman at the head of an organisation that supports airlines worldwide. It also comes as IATA seeks to balance connectivity, profitability, operational resilience and environmental responsibility.
