air-cargo

IATA Names Zahidi as Director General, First Woman in Role

The International Air Transport Association has appointed Saadia Zahidi as director general, effective November 1. She will be the first woman to lead the organization. Zahidi transitions from the World Economic Forum, where she has served as managing director and board member for more than eight years, following a tenure that began in 2004. She succeeds Willie Walsh, who departs to lead Indian carrier IndiGo. Sandrine Le Borgne, IATA's chief financial officer, will serve as interim director general during the transition. IATA board chair Roberto Alvo praised Zahidi's extensive background, stating her experience positions the organization to address industry challenges including technological and geopolitical shifts. Zahidi emphasized aviation's critical role in global economic development, pledging to strengthen member airline relationships while advancing innovation and sustainability.