GENEVA: The International Air Transport Association announced the appointment of Lahore-born economist Saadia Zahidi as its new director general. This is the first time a woman will lead the IATA. Zahidi is replacing Willie Walsh, who will leave his post on July 31.
Saadia Zahidi will assume the role of the IATA Director General on November 1.
Meanwhile, IATA Chief Financial Officer Sandrine Le Borgne will serve as acting director general during the transition.
Zahidi will become IATA’s ninth director general. She currently serves as managing director at the World Economic Forum.
She also authored Fifty Million Rising, which examines the growing role of working women in Muslim-majority countries.
Moreover, Zahidi holds an economics degree from Smith College. She also earned an MPhil in international economics from The Graduate Institute and an MPA from Harvard University.
New Chief Faces Major Aviation Challenges
IATA praised Zahidi’s international experience and said her leadership would strengthen the organisation’s role as the global airline industry’s voice.
Zahidi said she would work with airlines, governments and industry partners to promote innovation, resilience and sustainable growth.
However, her appointment comes as airlines face rising fuel costs and geopolitical uncertainty. Middle East tensions have pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel.
Furthermore, Zahidi will confront challenges surrounding aviation emissions and the industry’s net-zero target for 2050. Airlines also face shortages of efficient aircraft and sustainable aviation fuel.
In January, Zahidi warned that environmental risks were losing priority as businesses focused increasingly on trade tensions and other economic pressures.
