The International Air Transport Association has appointed Saadia Zahidi as its first female Director General, making history as the first woman to head the global airline industry’s largest trade association.

IATA announced the appointment in a statement published on its website on Thursday.

Zahidi will take office on November 1, 2026, becoming IATA’s ninth Director General and succeeding Willie Walsh, who guided the association through the aviation industry’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

IATA Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer of LATAM Airlines Group, Roberto Alvo, said the Board was confident that Zahidi would further strengthen the association’s role as the global voice of the airline industry.

He said Zahidi’s appointment comes at a time when the aviation industry is being reshaped by technological, geopolitical and economic changes.

“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.

“She’ll bring a fresh perspective to IATA that will grow its support for the airline industry on the foundations of IATA’s well-established technical, financial, and data capabilities.

“We now look forward to Saadia taking IATA’s work to even greater heights,” he said.

IATA said Zahidi’s appointment was approved by its Board of Directors, following her more than two decades of leadership experience at the World Economic Forum.

Accepting the appointment, Zahidi described global aviation as critical infrastructure for economic growth, trade and investment, stressing that collaboration across the industry would be essential as the sector navigates rapid change.

“I am 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.

“My top priority will be working with the IATA team and with the industry to build aviation’s future together,” she said.

Current Director General Willie Walsh will step down on July 31, 2026, after which IATA’s Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services, Sandrine Le Borgne, will serve as Interim Director General until Zahidi assumes office on November 1.