Southwest CEO Gary Kelly apponted next Airlines for America Chairman

Tuesday, 10 Dec, 2020 0

The Board of Directors of trade group Airlines for America (A4A) has elected Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly to serve as new Chairman from 2021.

Kelly will serve a two-year term beginning 1 January, 2021.

JetBlue Chief Executive Robin Hayes was appointed Vice Chairman of A4A.

"We are excited to have Gary ascending to the Chairman role at the time of such significant challenge for our industry, carriers and employees," said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio.

"This year has been devastating for US airlines, and we are looking forward to rebuilding the industry and relaunching air travel in the New Year under the leadership of both Gary and Robin."

As chief of Southwest Airlines Kelly is in the unprecedented position of overseeing possibly Southwest’s first ever compulsory job losses in its 50-year history.

It has warned it may have to downsize by nearly 7,000 jobs.

"As our nation prepares for the approval of a coronavirus vaccine, it is more critical than ever that our employees are on the job and ready to assist with the distribution of these vaccines across the country and around the world. We continue to ask Congress to pass another federal relief package," Kelly said.

Vice Chairman elect Hayes said: "No doubt about it, our number one goal is survival and keeping our employees on the job and out of the unemployment line. We also can’t take our eye off the importance of sustainability."

Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor

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TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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