Official will succeed Nick Callo, who served aviation trade association for 15 years
Airlines for America (A4A), the aviation industry trade/lobbying association, announced that Chris Sununu, former governor of New Hampshire, will become the association’s president and CEO beginning Sept. 9, assuming the role from Nick Calio after his 15 years of service. Sununu served four terms as governor from 2017 to 2025.
Sununu said, “I am honored to join Airlines for America during this critical moment for an aviation industry that supports over 10 million jobs and serves as a key economic driver in communities big and small across the country.”
Sununu continued that he looks forward to working closely with A4A’s Board, President Trump and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, Congress and other aviation stakeholders “to support the ongoing investment and overhaul of our air traffic control infrastructure.” Strengthening and modernizing the aviation system, he said, “is vital for making the safest mode of transportation even safer and more efficient and maintaining the global competitiveness of the US airline industry.”
Scott Kirby, A4A board chairman and United Airlines CEO, said, “The airline industry is one of the most essential enablers of strong economic growth here in the US and for connecting and sharing American culture and values around the world.” Sununu, he said, “is absolutely the right leader for this crucial industry in the years to come.”
Robert Isom, A4A board vice chair and CEO of American Airlines, said, “At this pivotal moment for US aviation, Sununu is the right leader for Airlines for America, and I look forward to working with him to advance aviation safety, modernize our air traffic control system and ensure US aviation continues to fuel the American economy.”
Calio, who joined A4A in 2011, will remain on as CEO Emeritus through the end of the year. Under his leadership, according to the announcement, A4A rebranded and strongly positioned itself as an influential voice in shaping legislative and regulatory policies affecting air travel and cargo shipping.
