Air Transport Association names Nicholas E. Calio President and CEO

WASHINGTON – The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today announced that it has named Nicholas E. Calio as its President and Chief Executive Officer, effective Jan. 1, 2011.

Calio currently leads Global Government Affairs for Citigroup both in the United States and in the more than 100 countries in which the company does business. He is a member of Citi’s Senior Leadership Committee. Prior to joining Citigroup in 2003, Calio was the Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs and served as chief liaison to the U.S. Congress for President George W. Bush, the same position he held under President George H.W. Bush.

“We are delighted that Nick is joining ATA at such an important time for our industry, when a strong, viable aviation system will be critical to the economic recovery and global competitiveness of our country. A recognized leader in Washington and other world capitals, Nick has a record of success in managing complex issues and working collaboratively with people at the highest levels, both in the private and public sectors. His leadership skills and reputation for integrity on both sides of the aisle make him uniquely suited to head ATA,” said Glenn Tilton, chairman of ATA and chairman of the board of United Continental Holdings, Inc., speaking on behalf of the ATA board.

“Having a professional as experienced and widely respected as Nick will be vital as the U.S. airline industry confronts a number of key issues – from improving access to international markets and increasing federal investment in air traffic infrastructure to reducing excessive taxation and regulation,” Tilton added.

“I have enjoyed eight good years at Citi, which is a great company with wonderful people, but I couldn’t pass up this tremendous opportunity,” Calio said. “Like millions of other people, I rely on the airlines in my personal and professional life. They are the backbone of our transportation system and critically important to our nation’s economy. I look forward to working with the aviation industry, Congress, the administration and the business community to ensure a financially sustainable airline sector, providing safe, reliable transportation for consumers, utilizing modernized infrastructure and operating in an environment that enables the U.S. airline industry to compete globally.”

Calio succeeds James C. May. “We thank Jim for his tireless leadership and commitment during some of the most difficult years this industry has ever faced,” Tilton said. “Jim’s efforts over the past eight years on behalf of the industry have been many and are much appreciated. We wish him well in the future.”

Calio, 57, is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He lives in Chevy Chase, Maryland with his wife Lydia. They have three children.