WASHINGTON, Jan 14 (Reuters) - The long-time head of the

trade group Airlines for America who helped U.S. airlines win

$54 billion in federal COVID relief funds will retire at the end

of the year.

Nick Calio, a former aide to President George W. Bush, has

headed the airline lobbying group since 2011 that includes

American Airlines ( AAL ), Delta Air Lines ( DAL ), United Airlines, FedEx and

Southwest Airlines ( LUV ). He has also pushed for more funding for air

traffic controllers and battled with the Biden administration

over regulatory efforts.