Geneva: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed Pakistani-Swiss economist Saadia Zahidi as its ninth director general, making her the first female to hold the position. Her appointment will take effect on November 1, 2026, as announced by IATA in a statement.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saadia will succeed the current director general, Willie Walsh, whose tenure will conclude on July 31, 2026. IATA chair Roberto Alvo expressed gratitude for Walsh's leadership, which he said helped the association emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic stronger and with a more representative membership.

Alvo, who is also the chief executive officer of LATAM Airlines Group, highlighted that Saadia's extensive experience at the World Economic Forum (WEF) would enhance IATA's role as the voice of the world's airlines. He noted that the trillion-dollar global air transport industry is continually changing, influenced by factors like technology and geopolitics, and Saadia is well-equipped to navigate these changes.

Saadia Zahidi has spent over two decades at WEF, where she served as managing director and a member of the managing board. She led various groups, including the Global Communications Group and Global Programming Group, and was involved in the WEF's engagement with academics, civil society, and international organizations.

In addition to her roles at WEF, Saadia founded and currently leads the Centre for the New Economy and Society. She is a co-author of several significant reports, including the Future of Jobs Report and Global Gender Gap Report. Her contributions extend to serving on the United Nations Secretary-General's High-Level Panel on Women's Economic Empowerment and the European Space Agency's High-Level Advisory Group.