ATA NAMES MAY CEO
The Air Transport Association of America has named James May as its chief executive officer effective Feb. 3.
May, who has strong Washington political connections but no transportation industry experience, is executive vice president of the National Association of Broadcasters, a position he has held since 1988. He replaces Carol Hallet, who is retiring after eight years at the head of the airline industry's trade association.
The ATA noted May's ability to gain consensus among members and develop bipartisan support for major legislative initiatives as skills that would benefit the airline industry.
Air cargo and passenger carriers are seeking relief from Congress on a number of fronts, including financial assistance, relaxed rules governing labor relations and help paying for the increased cost of security.