Saadia Zahidi Appointed as First Female IATA Director General

The Board of Directors of the International Air Transport Association appointed Saadia Zahidi as the new IATA Director General starting from November 1, 2026.

Zahidi will become the ninth person and the first woman to lead the organization in this role. She currently serves as a Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board at the World Economic Forum.

Appointment of the New IATA Director General

Meanwhile, the current leader Willie Walsh will conclude his duties on July 31, 2026. To manage the transition, the board selected Sandrine Le Borgne as the interim head. Le Borgne currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services at the association.

Roberto Alvo, Chair of the Board of Directors, stated that Zahidi brings the necessary skills to address changing international environments.

“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.”

Roberto Alvo, Chair of the IATA Board of Directors

Interim Leadership and Transition Period

Zahidi expressed her commitment to advancing the mission of the association during this period of change. She noted that aviation serves as critical infrastructure for global economic growth, trade, and tourism. Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of collaboration through trusted standards and essential services.

Background and Professional Experience

Zahidi spent more than two decades at the World Economic Forum, where she founded the Centre for the New Economy and Society. Previously, she led the communications and programming groups at the forum. She also co-authored several reports, including the Future of Jobs and the Global Gender Gap Reports.

Notably, she served on the United Nations panel for Women’s Economic Empowerment. She holds degrees from Smith College, the Graduate Institute, and Harvard University. Her appointment as the IATA Director General represents a significant milestone for the global aviation sector.

Future Outlook for Global Aviation

The association represents over 370 airlines, which collectively account for approximately 85% of global air traffic. This massive network supports the global economy by facilitating international trade and travel. Consequently, the leadership of the IATA Director General remains vital for maintaining safety and sustainability standards across the industry.

As the industry moves toward net-zero carbon emissions, the new leadership will focus on innovation and resilience. The transition comes at a time when technological advancements are reshaping the aviation sector. Therefore, the organization aims to expand the benefits of global connectivity to more economies.