The board of directors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which is the global representative body for the airline industry, has announced the appointment of the organisation’s new director-general. She is Saadia Zahidi, and is currently the World Economic Forum’s (WEF's) MD (and a managing board member). She will be the ninth director-general of IATA and the first woman to hold the post.

“Saadia’s long and outstanding experience at the World Economic Forum will enhance and strengthen IATA as the voice of the world’s airlines,” highlighted IATA board chair and LATAM Airlines Group CEO Roberto Alvo. “Global air transport is a trillion-dollar industry that has and continues to change the world for the better. Saadia’s appointment comes at a moment of significant change in the international environment. Technology and geopolitics, among others, will reshape the industry in the future and Saadia brings the right skills to effectively articulate what our industry needs to continue connecting people and economies safely, efficiently and sustainably.”

Zahidi, who has dual Swiss-Pakistani nationality, will take up the post on November 1. The current director-general, Willie Walsh, ends his term on July 31. The board has appointed IATA CFO and senior VP for corporate services Sandrine Le Borgne as interim director-general for the intervening period.

“I thank Willie for his outstanding leadership that helped IATA emerge from the Covid years stronger and with a more representative membership than ever,” stated Alvo. “We now look forward to Saadia taking IATA’s work to even greater heights.”

Zahidi has been with the WEF for more than 20 years. She has also served on the UN Secretary-General’s Women’s Economic Empowerment panel and the High-Level Advisory Group of the European Space Agency (ESA).

“I am honoured to help advance IATA’s mission to represent, lead and serve the airline industry at this pivotal moment,” she affirmed. “Aviation is critical infrastructure for economic growth, trade, tourism, jobs, investment and opportunity. In a rapidly changing world, IATA’s role in bringing the industry together to collaborate through trusted standards, essential services and advocacy has never been more important.”

Her time with the ESA advisory group appears to be her only previous involvement with any element of the huge aerospace industry.

“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,” explained Alvo.

“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,” assured Zahidi. “Together, we can expand the benefits of connectivity to more people and economies around the world. My top priority will be working with the IATA team and with the industry to build aviation’s future together.”