Key Takeaways
- Lahore-born economist Saadia Zahidi has been appointed as the first female director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
- Zahidi will take office on November 1, 2026, succeeding Willie Walsh.
- She currently serves as managing director at the World Economic Forum.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed Saadia Zahidi, a Lahore-born economist and current managing director of the World Economic Forum (WEF), as its first female director general. Zahidi will assume office on November 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the global airline industry.
In her acceptance statement, Zahidi expressed her enthusiasm to work with member airlines, governments, and industry partners to promote innovation, strengthen resilience, and support sustainable growth in aviation. She highlighted the importance of keeping environmental priorities at the forefront despite growing global economic challenges.
Zahidi’s appointment comes at a challenging time for the aviation sector, facing geopolitical and economic pressures, rising fuel costs, and efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Her extensive leadership experience at WEF is expected to strengthen IATA's position in advancing industry priorities.
According to an IATA statement, Zahidi will succeed Willie Walsh, who will step down on July 31. Sandrine Le Borgne, the current chief financial officer of IATA, will serve as acting director general until Zahidi takes over.
Zahidi 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. She is also the author of ‘Fifty Million Rising,’ a book on the growing role of working women in the Muslim world.
IATA stated that Zahidi's leadership experience at WEF would help advance the global airline industry’s priorities. Her appointment underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership roles within the aviation sector.
I look forward to working with member airlines, governments, and industry partners to promote innovation, strengthen resilience, and support sustainable growth in aviation.
Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director at World Economic Forum
