New chair for Foreign Airlines Association

Patrizia Gallo of Saudia Airlines is the new chair of the Foreign Airlines Association (FAA), the UK’s leading networking association for foreign airline executives.

Gallo replaces Air Europa’s UK director Colin Stewart, who has stepped down after a successful three-year term in the role, has a remit to grow the FAA member base during her two-year term as chair.

Patrizia Gallo

Saudia Airlines’ regional sales manager for Europe, Gallo, has 30 years’ experience in the airline industry occupying senior roles for Alitalia, Royal Jordanian and Saudia. She has been an FAA, four years as an FAA member, three years on the FAA Committee and two years as vice chair.

Gallo said: “Colin has done a wonderful job over the past three years, with membership growing as much as 20 per cent.

“Successfully coordinating the FAA rebrand, the 70th anniversary celebrations, and securing the financial stability of the association, he has certainly set the bar high, but I am excited to continue the efforts to grow FAA membership whilst delivering value to our airline and associate members.”

The latest foreign carriers to join the FAA include Oman Air and Finnair, taking its total to 25 airlines.

Andrew Fish, Finnair’s general manager, said: “We are delighted to be part of the FAA, which has already proven to offer a solid support network through the opportunity to meet like-minded airline representatives, discuss matters of mutual interest and share expertise and best practice.”