Before joining the Constitutional Body, Dr. Zaidi has served the nation as a long-time civil servant of the Indian Administrative Service (1976 batch). He superannuated from IAS as Secretary to the Government of India in Ministry of Civil Aviation on 31.07.2012. Amongst numerous contributions, Dr. Zaidi was instrumental in formulating Financial Restructuring and Turn Around Plan of Air India (AI) and also setting up the Dharmadhikari Committee to ensure merger process of AI. He contributed actively to formulation of a report of the Task Force to facilitate flow of investment of the order of Rs.70,000 crores in airport sector during 12th Five Year Plan through PPP route. He also launched a number of new initiatives on formulation of an economic regulatory frame, setting up of new regulatory institutions such as Civil Aviation Authority, Independent Air Accident Investigation Board, National Aviation University & also flow of investment in infrastructure..