KARACHI: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the appointment of Swiss Pakistani, Lahore born Saadia Zahidi to the position of its director-general by IATA’s Board of Directors, the global aviation body said this week.
The IATA, which represents over 370 airlines accounting for some 85 percent of global air traffic, support many areas of aviation activity for a safe, secure, and sustainable global air transport industry that connects the world.
Zahidi, who will assume her new role from Nov. 1, will be the IATA’s ninth director-general and the first woman appointed to the position. She joins the IATA from the World Economic Forum (WEF) where she is a managing director and a member of the Managing Board.
“The Board is very pleased to appoint Saadia Zahidi as Director General of IATA. Saadia’s long and outstanding experience at the World Economic Forum will enhance and strengthen IATA as the voice of the world’s airlines,” said Roberto Alvo, chair of the IATA Board of Directors and CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, in a statement issued this week.
Zahidi holds a BA in Economics from Smith College, an MPhil in International Economics from The Graduate Institute, and an MPA from Harvard University.
She founded and currently heads its WEF’s Center for the New Economy and Society. Previously she has led the WEF’s Global Communications Group, Global Programming Group, and Forum’s engagement with academics, civil society, and international organizations. She has served on the UN Secretary-General’s panel for Women’s Economic Empowerment and the European Space Agency’s High-Level Advisory Group.
Zahidi said she was “honored to help advance IATA’s mission to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry” at this pivotal moment.
“Aviation is critical infrastructure for economic growth, trade, tourism, jobs, investment, and opportunity. In a rapidly changing world, IATA’s role in bringing the industry together to collaborate through trusted standards, essential services, and advocacy has never been more important,” she said in a statement shared by the IATA.
“I look forward to working closely with our member airlines, governments, and the ecosystem of partners to build on IATA’s remarkable foundation, ensuring aviation continues to connect the world while embracing innovation, strengthening resilience, and advancing sustainable growth.”
