President Trump nominates Bryan Bedford as the FAA administrator
US President Donald Trump has nominated Bryan Bedford, President and CEO of Republic Airways, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administrator.
Bedford, who has been at the helm of Republic Airways since 1999, brings more than three decades of experience in aviation and executive leadership.
Prior to his tenure at Republic, he served as president and CEO of Mesaba Airlines, based in Minneapolis, and Business Express Airlines in Boston.
The nomination comes as the FAA continues to face mounting challenges, including heightened scrutiny following a series of safety incidents and an ongoing shortage of air trffic controllers (ATCs).
Former FAA official Chris Rocheleau has been serving as the acting administrator since the departure of Mike Whitaker, who stepped down on 20th January.
Bedford’s nomination requires Senate confirmation. If approved, he will serve under US Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
He will be tasked with making critical decisions, including determining when to allow Boeing to increase production of its 737 MAX beyond the current cap of 38 planes per month and approving two new variants of the popular aircraft.
Furthermore, industry leaders have voiced strong support for Bedford’s nomination. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby expressed confidence in Bedford’s ability to steer the FAA through current challenges.
“Having worked with Bryan Bedford for two decades, I have total confidence in his ability to lead the FAA at this critical time,” Kirby said in a statement.
US Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman also endorsed Bedford, highlighting his extensive experience. “Bedford brings more than 30 years of aviation experience—including as both a pilot and President and CEO of a regional airline since 1999,” Freeman stated.
“The FAA is currently under immense pressure to modernise while ensuring that our airspace remains safe and efficient for travelers.”
Moreover, airlines for America President and CEO Nicholas Calio echoed the sentiment, emphasising Bedford’s focus on safety.
“Mr. Bedford has decades of experience in aviation operations, and he leads with a commitment to safety above all else,” he stated.
“We know Mr. Bedford will work closely with Secretary Duffy to transform America’s ageing air traffic control system, including technology, infrastructure, and staffing. We urge the Senate to expeditiously confirm his nomination.”