DOT 49-03
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Contact: Greg Martin or Laura Brown, 202-267-3883
U.S. Transportation Secretary Mineta Names
Chew as FAA Chief Operating Officer
WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta today announced
that Russell G. Chew has been selected to serve as Chief Operating Officer (COO)
of the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Chew will play a key role in Secretary Mineta and FAA Administrator Marion
Blakey’s plans to shape the FAA into a more business-like organization that
operates to strict performance measures. As COO, Chew will oversee the
operational and financial performance of the air traffic control system and the
FAA’s research and acquisition programs. Chew is scheduled to start his new
position on Aug. 1, 2003.
“Establishing the COO position is an important step forward in managing an air
traffic control system that is not only the safest, but is also a model of
efficiency and cost effectiveness,” said Secretary Mineta. “Taxpayers
rightly expect results and accountability in operating our nation’s
transportation infrastructure, and I am confident that Russ is the right person
to help accomplish this in aviation.”
Chew comes to the FAA with nearly two decades of broad aviation industry
experience at American Airlines, where he served as a line-qualified captain,
managing director of the airline’s strategic operations planning, and as
manager of technical flight operations and systems support technologies. In his
latest position as managing director of system operations control, Chew has been
responsible for directing the airline’s day-to-day operations at American’s
central control center.
“Filling the COO position has been one of my top priorities, and we’re
pleased to have a person of Russ’ caliber join the FAA,” said Administrator
Blakey. “His strong experience at the strategic and operations level will help
advance our performance within the air traffic control system.”
The COO position has its roots in Secretary Mineta’s leadership of the
National Civil Aviation Review Commission of 1997. Among the Commission’s
recommendations was the creation of a performance-based organization for the
nation’s air traffic control system, with operational and financial issues
managed by a COO. The Commission’s recommendation was further advanced in the
Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st
Century (AIR-21) enacted in 2000.
“This is an exciting opportunity to work with the FAA team and industry to
bring even greater benefits to the flying public,” said Chew. “I’m honored
by Secretary Mineta and Administrator Blakey’s confidence and I look forward
to taking on this important role.”
Chew has served on many aviation industry committees in support of national
airspace modernization and is currently vice chairman of the Radio Technical
Commission for Aeronautics’ Free Flight Steering Committee. He also serves on
the board of directors of Aeronautical Radio Incorporated (ARINC,) and is
chairman of ATN Systems, Inc. He attended Stanford University for his
undergraduate studies and completed his doctoral studies at the University of
Southern California, Los Angeles.
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Briefing Room
