Saadia Zahidi to Become First Female CEO of IATA in Historic Leadership Shift
Saadia Zahidi will make aviation history on November 1, 2026, as the first woman to lead the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The organization’s board of directors officially announced her appointment on July 23. Zahidi will be the ninth general director to hold the position since IATA’s founding in 1945.
She will succeed Willie Walsh, who stepped down at the end of July. Until her official start date, the role will be temporarily filled by Sandrine Le Borgne, IATA’s Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Corporate Services. Zahidi brings over two decades of experience from the World Economic Forum (WEF), where she served as CEO and board member while leading the Centre for the New Economy and Society.
Her professional background is deeply rooted in economics, public policy, employment trends, and labor market transformation rather than traditional airline operations. Notably, she played a key role in developing the WEF’s flagship reports on the future of jobs, economic growth, and the global gender gap. An economist by training, Zahidi holds degrees from Smith College, the Graduate Institute in Geneva, and Harvard University. She is a dual citizen of Switzerland and Pakistan.
As IATA’s new leader, Zahidi will champion an industry navigating increasingly complex challenges, including rapid technological advancements, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and the urgent transition toward sustainable aviation growth. IATA represents more than 370 airlines, which collectively account for approximately 85% of global air traffic. The association plays a pivotal role in establishing industry standards and advocating for the aviation sector before governments and key stakeholders worldwide.
This appointment marks a pivotal moment for IATA: for the first time in its history, the organization will be helmed by a woman whose expertise lies in international economics and public policy rather than the aviation industry itself. Her leadership is expected to bring a fresh, macroeconomic perspective to one of the world’s most critical transportation networks.
