Pakistan, July 26 -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed Swiss Pakistani executive Saadia Zahidi as its next director-general, making history as the first woman to lead the global aviation organization. Zahidi will assume the role on November 1 and become the ninth director-general of IATA, which represents more than 370 airlines responsible for about 85 percent of global air traffic. Her appointment marks a significant milestone for both the aviation industry and women in international leadership.

Before joining IATA, Zahidi served as a managing director and member of the Managing Board at the World Economic Forum, where she held several senior leadership positions. She currently heads the organization's Cen...