Air Transport Association Names New Vice President of Operations and Safety

The Air Transport Association of America, Inc. (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today announced that Capt. Tom Hendricks will be joining the association as Vice President of Operations and Safety, effective June 1.

In this role, Capt. Hendricks will assume all leadership responsibilities for the U.S. airline industry’s operations, safety, engineering and air traffic functions.

“Captain Hendricks brings a wealth of extremely valuable aviation expertise and strong management experience to this critical industry leadership role. His record of success in overseeing day-to-day flight operations for one of the world’s largest airlines, along with his strategic planning work for the U.S. Air Force and established reputation for consensus building among his industry counterparts, combine to provide an optimal skill set for this vital industry role,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May. “I could not be more pleased that Tom is joining the ATA team of aviation professionals to provide direct leadership of our world-class technical experts.”

The ATA vice president of operations and safety position is central to advancing the airline industry’s well-deserved reputation for safety excellence while continually focusing on new and better ways to streamline system operations to improve efficiency for ATA member airlines. It demands a unique combination of strong goal orientation and leadership with an absolute commitment to constructive consensus development.

Hendricks will be leaving his position as director of line operations for Delta Air Lines in Atlanta.

“I am honored to join the strong team at ATA as a champion of the safest transportation system in the world. ATA’s ability to leverage the talent of its member airlines helps ensure that the U.S. air transport system will remain second to none,” said Capt. Hendricks. “It is an exciting time for the industry, particularly with significant structural changes to our aviation systems on the horizon. I look forward to helping provide leadership during this critical period.”

ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For more industry information, visit www.airlines.org.