Historic appointment marks the first woman to lead the international airline trade association; Sandrine Le Borgne named Interim Director General following Willie Walsh’s departure.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that its board of directors has appointed Saadia Zahidi as its next Director General, effective November 1, 2026. Zahidi will become the ninth Director General in IATA’s history and the first woman to hold the position.
Zahidi joins IATA from the World Economic Forum (WEF), where she currently serves as Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board.
She succeeds Willie Walsh, who will conclude his tenure as Director General on July 31, 2026. To manage the transition period, the Board of Directors has appointed Sandrine Le Borgne, IATA’s Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services, to serve as Interim Director General from August 1 through October 31, 2026.
“The Board is very pleased to appoint Saadia Zahidi as Director General of IATA,” said Roberto Alvo, Chair of the IATA Board of Directors and CEO of LATAM Airlines Group.
“Saadia’s long and outstanding experience at the World Economic Forum will enhance and strengthen IATA as the voice of the world’s airlines. Global air transport is a trillion-dollar industry that continues to change the world for the better.
Her appointment comes at a moment of significant change in the international environment. Technology and geopolitics will reshape the industry, and Saadia brings the right skills to articulate what our industry needs to connect people and economies safely, efficiently, and sustainably. She brings a fresh perspective that will grow IATA’s support on the foundations of our well-established technical, financial, and data capabilities.
“I also thank Willie Walsh for his outstanding leadership, which helped IATA emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic stronger and with a more representative membership than ever. We look forward to Saadia taking IATA’s work to even greater heights.”
“I am honored to help advance IATA’s mission to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry at this pivotal moment,” said Saadia Zahidi. “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 through trusted standards, essential services, and advocacy has never been more important.
“I look forward to working closely with our member airlines, governments, and partners to build on IATA’s remarkable foundation—ensuring aviation continues to connect the world while embracing innovation, strengthening resilience, and advancing sustainable growth. My top priority will be working with the IATA team and the industry to build aviation’s future together.”
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July 31, 2026: Willie Walsh concludes his duties as Director General.
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August 1 – October 31, 2026: Sandrine Le Borgne serves as Interim Director General.
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November 1, 2026: Saadia Zahidi assumes duties as Director General.
