Saadia Zahidi, with Pakistan roots, named first director general of IATA
In a landmark appointment for the global aviation industry, Pakistan-born economist Saadia Zahidi has been named the next Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), becoming the first woman in the organization's history to assume the role.
IATA announced that Zahidi, currently serving as Managing Director at the World Economic Forum (WEF), will officially take office on November 1, succeeding Willie Walsh, who will step down on July 31 after leading the airline body through a period of significant industry recovery. During the transition, Sandrine Le Borgne, IATA's Chief Financial Officer, will serve as Acting Director General.
Born in Lahore, Zahidi will become IATA's ninth Director General, marking a historic milestone for the Geneva-based organization, which has traditionally been led by former airline executives and aviation industry veterans.
Welcoming the appointment, IATA's Board praised Zahidi's extensive international leadership experience, describing her as the ideal choice to strengthen the association's role as the global voice of airlines.
"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 board said in a statement.
The board added that Zahidi's strategic vision and global policy expertise would help the aviation industry navigate an increasingly complex landscape while advancing safety, operational efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.
Accepting the appointment, Zahidi expressed optimism about the industry's future.
"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," she said.
A globally recognized economist, Zahidi is also the author of Fifty Million Rising, a book examining the growing economic participation of women across the Muslim world. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Smith College, an MPhil in International Economics from The Graduate Institute, and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the aviation sector. Airlines worldwide continue to grapple with rising geopolitical tensions, escalating fuel costs, and growing economic uncertainty, while the industry's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 faces mounting challenges due to shortages of sustainable aviation fuel and delays in the delivery of next-generation aircraft.
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Earlier this year, Zahidi cautioned during a World Economic Forum podcast that environmental priorities risked being overshadowed as governments and businesses increasingly focused on trade disputes and geopolitical instability.
As she prepares to lead one of the world's most influential aviation organizations, Zahidi is expected to bring a fresh, policy-driven perspective to an industry navigating profound economic, technological, and environmental transformation.
Source: Dawn