Pakistan-origin Saadia Zahidi to lead International Air Transport Association

Saadia Zahidi, a Pakistani-born economist with extensive experience at the World Economic Forum, is set to make history as the first woman to lead the International Air Transport Association (IATA). She will assume the role of director general on November 1, succeeding Willie Walsh, with Sandrine Le Borgne serving as acting director general in the interim.

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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.

Zahidi, author of "Fifty Million Rising," brings a background in economics and public administration from Smith College, The Graduate Institute, and Harvard University. IATA's board expressed confidence that her experience at the WEF will enhance the organization's advocacy for global airlines. They anticipate she will bring a fresh perspective to IATA, leveraging its established capabilities in technical, financial, and data services.

Her appointment comes at a critical juncture for the aviation industry. Zahidi will need to navigate geopolitical and economic headwinds, including rising oil prices driven by Middle East conflicts. Furthermore, she will confront the ongoing challenge of reducing aviation's environmental impact, particularly concerning the industry's net-zero by 2050 goal, which is threatened by shortages of efficient aircraft and sustainable jet fuel.

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Saadia brings the right skills to effectively articulate what our industry needs to continue connecting people and economies safely, efficiently, and sustainably. She’ll bring a fresh perspective to IATA that will grow its support for the airline industry on the foundations of IATA’s well-established technical, financial, and data capabilities.

While an outsider to the aviation sector, Zahidi's leadership is seen as an opportunity to build on IATA's foundation. She aims to foster innovation, strengthen resilience, and advance sustainable growth in the industry, working closely with member airlines, governments, and partners to connect the world.

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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.