Pakistan-origin Saadia Zahidi named first woman to lead international air transport body
World Economic Forum managing director to become global airline body's ninth director general on Nov. 1, succeeding Willie Walsh
GENEVA (MNTV) — Pakistan-origin economist Saadia Zahidi has been appointed director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), becoming the first woman to lead the global airline industry’s representative body.
According to an IATA statement, Zahidi will assume office on Nov. 1, succeeding Willie Walsh, who will step down on July 31. IATA Chief Financial Officer Sandrine Le Borgne will serve as acting director general during the interim period.
Currently managing director at the World Economic Forum (WEF), Zahidi will become IATA’s ninth director general.
“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,” IATA said in a statement.
The association added that Zahidi brings “the right skills” to help the industry continue connecting people and economies “safely, efficiently, and sustainably,” while strengthening IATA’s established technical, financial and data capabilities.
In her acceptance message, Zahidi said she looked forward to working closely with member airlines, governments and industry partners to build on IATA’s foundations through innovation, resilience and sustainable growth.
“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.
The Geneva-based association, which represents airlines worldwide, has traditionally been led by former airline chief executives or board members. Zahidi, a Pakistani-born economist and the first leader from outside the aviation sector in recent years, takes over as airlines face geopolitical and economic headwinds, including oil prices rising above $100 a barrel amid tensions in the Middle East.
She will also oversee industry efforts to reduce aviation emissions. Airlines have pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, although progress has been challenged by shortages of more fuel-efficient aircraft and sustainable aviation fuel.
Earlier this year, Zahidi warned in a World Economic Forum podcast that environmental risks were being deprioritized as business leaders increasingly focused on trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty.
Zahidi is the author of Fifty Million Rising, which explores the rise of working 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.
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