Washington, Jan. 6, 2003—The board of directors of the Air Transport Association of America, Inc. (ATA) today announced the appointment of James C. May as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective February 3, to succeed the retiring Carol B. Hallett.

“Jim May brings with him a tremendous wealth of experience in working with Congress and the executive branch. At this critical point in airline history, Jim’s proven skills as a leader and strategist are exactly the talents we have been seeking in a new association head to continue the excellent work of Carol Hallett,” said Richard Anderson, Chairman of the ATA Executive Committee and CEO of Northwest Airlines.

Since 1988, Jim May has been the Executive Vice President of the National Association of Broadcasters, where his hallmark has been the development of bi-partisan support for major legislative initiatives. He has held a variety of other senior executive positions covering public affairs and government relations for major corporations and industries.

“Jim May has been extremely successful during his career in harmonizing the views of a diverse membership organization into successful public policy positions. That approach is vital to the future success of the airline industry,” according to retiring ATA CEO Carol Hallett. “It’s the heart of the job and Jim is a master of the art,” Hallett continued. “I am very pleased with the board’s selection of Jim May.”

In accepting his new challenge, May expressed enthusiasm, “I am honored to have been chosen by the ATA board for this wonderful new opportunity. I recognize the challenges that lie ahead and look forward to meeting them head on. I am especially pleased to know that I will be working with a terrific team at ATA and with the first-rate Washington offices of our member airlines.”

Richard Anderson also took particular note of Carol Hallett’s strong legacy to ATA. “Jim’s arrival marks an important watershed for the ATA. As we look forward to his strong leadership, we also recognize the great achievements of Carol Hallett. For the past eight years, Carol has provided outstanding leadership for the association and our industry and, more importantly, in maintaining member unity on matters vital to the industry. We wish her well in her retirement and look forward to her continued counsel.”

The Air Transport Association of America, Inc. is the trade association for leading U.S. airlines. ATA members transport over 95 percent of all the passenger and cargo traffic in the United States.

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