A Pakistani Woman Is Ready to Lead Global Aviation
Lahore-born economist Saadia Zahidi has been appointed Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), becoming the first woman to lead the global airline industry's representative body in its history. She will officially assume the role on November 1, succeeding Willie Walsh.
Her appointment marks a historic milestone for both Pakistan and the global aviation sector. Zahidi will become IATA’s ninth Director General, leading an organization that represents airlines around the world.
Before joining IATA, Saadia Zahidi served as Managing Director at the World Economic Forum (WEF), where she played a leading role in shaping global discussions on economic growth, workforce development, and the future of industries.
IATA's Board praised her extensive international experience, stating that her leadership will strengthen the association's role as the voice of the world's airlines. Her expertise is expected to enhance IATA's technical, financial, and data-driven capabilities while supporting innovation across the aviation industry.
As Director General, Zahidi will work closely with airlines, governments, and industry partners to strengthen global aviation through innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.
She has expressed her commitment to building on IATA's achievements while preparing the industry for future challenges.
She takes on the role at a critical time, with the aviation sector navigating economic uncertainty, geopolitical pressures, and the global transition toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Saadia Zahidi's appointment represents a landmark achievement for Pakistan, highlighting the growing influence of Pakistani professionals in global leadership positions.
Beyond her work in international organizations, she is also the author of Fifty Million Rising, a book exploring the rise of working women across the Muslim world.
Her historic appointment reflects the impact of Pakistani talent on the global stage and serves as an inspiring example of leadership, excellence, and representation in one of the world's most important industries.
Lahore-born economist Saadia Zahidi has been appointed Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), becoming the first woman to lead the global airline industry’s representative body in its history.
Lahore-born economist Saadia Zahidi has been appointed Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), becoming the first woman to lead the global airline industry's representative body in its history. She will officially assume the role on November 1, succeeding Willie Walsh.
Her appointment marks a historic milestone for both Pakistan and the global aviation sector. Zahidi will become IATA’s ninth Director General, leading an organization that represents airlines around the world.
Before joining IATA, Saadia Zahidi served as Managing Director at the World Economic Forum (WEF), where she played a leading role in shaping global discussions on economic growth, workforce development, and the future of industries.
IATA's Board praised her extensive international experience, stating that her leadership will strengthen the association's role as the voice of the world's airlines. Her expertise is expected to enhance IATA's technical, financial, and data-driven capabilities while supporting innovation across the aviation industry.
As Director General, Zahidi will work closely with airlines, governments, and industry partners to strengthen global aviation through innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.
She has expressed her commitment to building on IATA's achievements while preparing the industry for future challenges.
She takes on the role at a critical time, with the aviation sector navigating economic uncertainty, geopolitical pressures, and the global transition toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Saadia Zahidi's appointment represents a landmark achievement for Pakistan, highlighting the growing influence of Pakistani professionals in global leadership positions.
Beyond her work in international organizations, she is also the author of Fifty Million Rising, a book exploring the rise of working women across the Muslim world.
Her historic appointment reflects the impact of Pakistani talent on the global stage and serves as an inspiring example of leadership, excellence, and representation in one of the world's most important industries.
