Overview

• Sununu starts Sept. 9, succeeding Nick Calio, who will shift to CEO emeritus and serve as an adviser through the end of the year.
• His top priority is pushing air traffic control upgrades, with airlines and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy seeking another $19 billion beyond the $12.5 billion Congress approved in July.
• The FAA remains about 3,500 controllers short and has proposed extending reduced schedules at Newark through October 2026 to ease strain.
• United’s Scott Kirby and American’s Robert Isom endorsed the choice, citing Sununu’s record and the sector’s role in U.S. economic growth.
• Airlines for America represents major carriers and shippers including American, Delta, United, Southwest, UPS and FedEx.