WASHINGTON -- The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization representing the leading U.S. airlines, announced today that United Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO Glenn F. Tilton has been elected chairman of the ATA Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Tilton, who succeeds former Northwest Airlines Chairman and CEO Douglas M. Steenland in this role, will serve a two-year term.
"Glenn has proven time and again his strong leadership ability during the most tumultuous of times," says ATA President and CEO James C. May. "Under Glenn's chairmanship, ATA will work vigorously with the new administration and Congress on a number of aviation priorities, including air traffic modernization, energy policy and the implementation of fair and practical environmental-protection measures."
"I am pleased to serve as chairman of the ATA and, along with my fellow directors, look forward to partnering with the new administration and the Congress on initiatives that will further both the performance of the industry and its economic contribution to the U.S. economy," says Tilton. "Airlines are a driver of economic growth, contributing more than $1.1 trillion in value to the economy and creating more than 10 million jobs. With a modernized air traffic control system, we can deliver better financial, operational and environmental results to the benefit of our customers, our employees, our stakeholders and the communities we serve."
Tilton became UAL Corporation chairman, president and CEO in September 2002. Prior to joining United, Tilton was vice chairman of the board of directors of ChevronTexaco, as well as interim chairman of Dynegy Inc. Previously, he served as chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Texaco Inc., a position he assumed in February 2001.
