IATA Makes Surprise Pick for New Leader, Skips Airline Veterans
Saadia Zahidi will take over as IATA director general on Nov. 1, with airlines facing oil-price pressure and net-zero concerns, the group said.
- On Thursday, the International Air Transport Association named World Economic Forum executive Saadia Zahidi as its next director general, making her the first woman to lead the aviation trade body.
- Zahidi succeeds outgoing IATA boss Willie Walsh, who joins Indian carrier IndiGo as CEO on August 3, departing the Geneva-based organization that has historically been led by former airline executives.
- As a Pakistani-born economist and outsider to the aviation sector, Zahidi arrives after spending two decades at the WEF, joining as airlines grapple with oil prices exceeding $100.
- Zahidi faces immediate pressure to address aviation pollution as airlines struggle to meet 2050 net-zero goals; she previously noted environmental risks were deprioritized due to "shorter term risks around geopolitics."
- Taking office on November 1, Zahidi assumes leadership following Walsh's five-year tenure, as the Geneva-based IATA turns to an economist to navigate complex global challenges beyond technical standards.
19 Articles
19 Articles
IATA appoints first female director general
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed its first female director general, as incumbent Willie Walsh prepares to exit and join IndiGo. On July 24, 2026, following selection by IATA’s board of directors, the association named Saadia Zahid as its ninth director general. Zahid, who currently works as the managing director of the World Economic Forum, will join IATA on November 1, 2026. Walsh is due to leave on July 31, 2026…
Pakistan-origin Saadia Zahidi to lead International Air Transport Association
GENEVA: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed Lahore-born Saadia Zahidi as its director general in place of Willie Walsh, who will relinquish his duties on July 31. A press release said Saadia Zahidi will take over as the air transport body’s new chief on Nov 1 this year. Sandrine Le Borgne, IATA’s chief financial officer, will serve as acting director general during the intervening period. Ms Zahidi will be IATA’s nin…
The International Air Transport Association (Iata) announced that Saadia Zahidi was appointed by her board of directors to the post of Director General, from 1 November. Zahidi will be the ninth person to hold the position and the first woman appointed to the position. She joins the Iata coming from the World Economic Forum (WEF), where she acts as Executive Director and member of the Board of Directors. Willie Walsh, current Director General of…
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