Saadia Zahidi to Lead IATA as 1st Woman Director General

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed its next Director General, Saadia Zahidi, the first woman to head the global aviation body in history. Currently a Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board at the World Economic Forum (WEF), Saadia will take the helm when IATA officially becomes the ninth Director General on November 1.

The appointment is a landmark leadership change for the group, which counts over 370 airlines from around the world among its members and has a pivotal role in the development of global aviation policies, industry standards, safety and sustainability initiatives. Her appointment also reflects the aviation industry's growing focus on diverse leadership to navigate increasingly complex global economic and operational challenges. Saadia replaces Willie Walsh, who will step down as Director General on July 31, before becoming Chief Executive Officer at IndiGo next month.

In order to maintain continuity in the transition, the IATA Board of Directors has elected its Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services, Sandrine Le Borgne, as Interim Director General until Saadia takes office.

Saadia is a Swiss and Pakistani national with over 20 years' global leadership experience at the World Economic Forum. Throughout her time at WEF, she has spearheaded efforts around economic transformation, skills, workforce development and the future of society. She also set up and leads the organisation's Centre for the New Economy and Society, which engages with governments, industry and civil society on emerging economic and social issues.

Key Highlights

• Saadia Zahidi becomes IATA's first woman Director General
• Leadership transition officially begins with November 1 appointment
• Brings extensive global policy and economic leadership experience

In her role of leading one of the most influential organisations in aviation, Saadia spoke of the need to work together to help shape the future of the aviation industry.

“I look forward to collaborating closely with the member airlines, governments and the ecosystem of partner organizations to build on IATA's incredible legacy and ensure that aviation continues to connect the world, while remaining innovative, resilient and advancing towards sustainable growth," she said.

She also described her vision for the association: "Through collaboration with the IATA team and the industry, we can widen the reach of connectivity to more industry people and economies around the world. This is my primary focus will be to work with the IATA team and with the industry to create aviation's future together."

The aviation industry is facing a chain of leadership transitions in the wake of shifting priorities in the global aviation landscape, such as digital transformation, operational resilience, decarbonization initiatives, and increasing demand for international connectivity. Zahidi's work in international economic strategy and multi-stakeholder collaboration puts her in a strong position to guide IATA through a very dynamic period for the industry.

Saadia’s appointment is a first for the International Air Transport Association and the aviation industry. Her leadership will be expected to build even closer partnership working between airlines, governments and industry partners and drive innovation, sustainable growth and the future of air travel around the world.