Andy Steinberg

Biography provided by participant

Andy Steinberg is a partner in the Government Regulation practice of Jones Day, based in Washington, D.C. and a member of the firm's Airlines and Aviation Working Group. He advises air carriers, aerospace firms, and other companies in the travel and transportation sector on strategic and regulatory issues and administrative proceedings before the U.S. government, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the Office of the Secretary of Transportation. Following his nomination by the President and confirmation by the U.S. Senate, he served as Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs in the U.S. Department of Transportation from 2006 to 2008. As assistant secretary, Steinberg supervised an office of 80 professional civil servants with responsibility for licensing U.S. and foreign airlines, formulating U.S. international aviation policy, and administering DOT's economic policies and programs designed to promote access to, competition in, and the health of the U.S. aviation system. He also was responsible for coordination of departmental policies and programs in all modes of international transportation and trade. During his tenure, the U.S. successfully concluded the historic "open skies plus" agreement with the European Union, as well as a liberal air services agreement with China (which included open skies for cargo carriers and a doubling of passenger capacity). He also represented the U.S. at the September, 2007 Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization, where the U.S. forged a coalition of countries who prevailed in opposing a resolution that would have allowed the unilateral imposition of an emission trading scheme for greenhouse gases. From 2003 to 2006, before moving to the Office of the Secretary, Steinberg served as the Chief Counsel of the Federal Aviation Administration, following his appointment by the President in May 2003. As chief counsel, he was the top legal advisor to the administrator of the FAA, a period during which the agency launched its NextGen (air traffic modernization) program, implemented a new labor contract with its air traffic controllers, and dramatically reduced the commercial accident rate. He oversaw a staff of 250 individuals, including approximately 180 lawyers, located in Washington and in the agency's 11 regional offices and technical centers. During this time he was responsible for all aspects of the FAA's legal activities, including the agency's regulatory program, administrative and judicial litigation, nationwide enforcement activities, legislation, alternative dispute resolution, ethics compliance, and legal relations with foreign civil aviation authorities. His office also supported the FAA's multibillion dollar procurement and airports programs. Prior to his public service, Steinberg held a variety of positions as a lawyer in the private sector, including several in the travel and transportation industry. From 2000 to 2002 he was executive vice president of administration, general counsel, and corporate secretary for Travelocity.com, the online travel services company. From 1996 to 2000 he was senior vice president and then executive vice president, general counsel, and secretary of Sabre, a leading provider of computerized reservation systems and information technology to the travel industry. From 1990 to 1996 he held a number of positions within the legal department of American Airlines, serving as associate general counsel in charge of the airline's employment and environmental legal practice and as senior attorney responsible for antitrust matters. From 1986 to 1990 he practiced antitrust law and commercial litigation in Los Angeles. Steinberg received a bachelor's degree in politics from Princeton University in 1980 and his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1984. He serves on the Board of the International Aviation Club.