The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed Swiss-Pakistani executive Saadia Zahidi as its next Director General, making history as the first woman to lead the global aviation organization since its establishment.
Zahidi will officially assume office on 1 November, becoming the ninth Director General of IATA, which represents more than 370 airlines responsible for approximately 85 percent of global air traffic. Her appointment marks a landmark achievement for both the international aviation industry and women in global leadership.
Before joining IATA, Zahidi served as Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board at the World Economic Forum (WEF), where she held several senior leadership positions. She currently leads the organization’s Center for the New Economy and Society and has previously headed the Global Communications Group, Global Programming Group, and the WEF’s engagement with academic institutions, civil society, and international organizations.
Welcoming the appointment, Roberto Alvo, Chair of the IATA Board and Chief Executive Officer of LATAM Airlines Group, praised Zahidi’s extensive international leadership experience. He expressed confidence that her vision and expertise would strengthen IATA’s role as the global voice of the airline industry while advancing its mission of promoting a safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable aviation sector.
Zahidi brings an exceptional academic background to the position. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Smith College, an MPhil in International Economics from The Graduate Institute in Geneva, and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University. She has also served on the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Women’s Economic Empowerment and the European Space Agency’s High-Level Advisory Group.
Speaking after her appointment, Zahidi said she was honored to lead IATA at a pivotal time for global aviation. She reaffirmed her commitment to representing, leading, and serving airlines worldwide while supporting innovation, resilience, sustainability, and long-term growth across the aviation industry.
Her appointment is being celebrated as a significant milestone for the global aviation community and a proud moment for Pakistan, reflecting the growing influence of Pakistani professionals in shaping international organizations and industries.
