Geneva, 23 July 2026 – The International Air Transport Association has appointed economist Saadia Zahidi as its ninth director general, making her the first woman to lead the global airline industry body as aviation confronts rapid technological change, geopolitical uncertainty and mounting sustainability pressures.
Zahidi will assume the position on 1 November 2026, succeeding Willie Walsh, whose term concludes on 31 July. The association’s chief financial officer and senior vice-president for corporate services, Sandrine Le Borgne, will serve as interim director general during the transition period.
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