Gallo, who works for Middle Eastern carrier Saudia, stood down from her role leading the association at a lunch in central London on Thursday (23 September). She will remain a FAA committee member.

She is succeeded as FAA chair by Gary Kershaw, who is regional manager UK and Ireland at Qatar Airways.

The association, which was set up in 1946, exists to provide networking opportunities for country managers, general managers and commercial executives working for foreign airlines in the UK through a series of events held throughout the year.

FAA chairs usually stay in post for two years but Gallo’s term was extended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced the cancellations of the association’s events over the past 18 months.

During her tenure, Gallo launched a new website for the association, as well as introducing a mentoring scheme for women looking to work in the aviation industry.