WASHINGTON, Dec. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today named Keith Glatz, senior negotiator for the Office of International Aviation and Affairs for the U.S. Department of Transportation, to the new role of Vice President, International Affairs.

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Glatz brings vast international policy experience to A4A, having successfully negotiated Open-Skies and liberalized aviation agreements on behalf of the U.S. aviation industry, resulting in unparalleled market access for U.S. carriers in Japan, China, Canada, Australia, India, Thailand, Africa and Vietnam. He also served in the office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the Department of State, Office of Aviation Negotiations.

"Keith has been an exceptionally strong advocate for the U.S. airline industry for years. He is well known and well respected for his ability to negotiate what have become landmark aviation agreements globally," said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. "Keith's experience and leadership will enhance opportunities for U.S. airlines, their customers and their employees throughout the world."

Glatz holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Texas Tech University and a Juris Doctor and Masters of Public Policy from the University of Akron. He will report to Sean Kennedy and Christine Burgeson, SVPs and co-leads of A4A's Global Government Affairs.

A4A also named Katie Connell, former manager, corporate communications for Gannett to the new role of Managing Director, Airline Industry Public Relations and Communications.

Connell also joins A4A with extensive experience in the airline industry, having served most recently as a senior manager in Corporate Communications for Delta Air Lines, Inc. Connell held multiple roles at Delta from 1999-2009, during which she managed global internal and external communications strategy and served as a corporate spokesperson through major events, including 9/11 and subsequent security changes.

"A strong communications team is critical to the work we do to advocate on behalf of the airline industry and Katie is an excellent addition, bringing a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead for the U.S. airlines," Calio said.

Connell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from The University of Dayton, and will report to Jean Medina, SVP, Communications.

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SOURCE Airlines for America