Trump Taps Republic Airways CEO to Lead FAA
Skift Take
Key Points
- President Trump has nominated Bryan Bedford, CEO of Republic Airways, to lead the FAA, requiring Senate confirmation.
- The FAA faces challenges including an air traffic controller shortage and modernization efforts influenced by Elon Musk.
- Bedford's nomination has been praised by the airline industry, citing his strong understanding of FAA and airspace operations.
Summary
President Donald Trump has nominated Bryan Bedford, CEO of Republic Airways, to head the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), pending Senate confirmation. The FAA is currently under scrutiny due to an air traffic controller shortage and modernization challenges, with Elon Musk's involvement in pushing for new technologies. Bedford's nomination has received positive feedback from the airline industry, highlighting his expertise in FAA and airspace operations.
President Donald Trump announced Monday that he is nominating Bryan Bedford, the CEO of Republic Airways, to lead the Federal Aviation Administration.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Bedford would work to “strongly reform the agency, safeguard our exports, and ensure the safety of nearly one billion passenger movements.”
The role requires a Senate confirmation.
Trump’s pick for FAA administrator comes as the agency has faced scrutiny for an ongoing air traffic controller shortage following a deadly collision near Washington, D.C. The FAA is also facing low morale, according to a report from The Atlantic.
The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, had initially sent buyout offers to the entire agency, including air traffic controllers. Musk has pushed the FAA to use his company Starlink’s technology to modernize air traffic control equipment.
Former FAA administrator Mike Whitaker resigned from the post on Trump’s Inauguration Day. The agency did not have a Senate-confirmed leader for the first few weeks of the Trump administration. Trump named Chris Rocheleau to be the FAA’s acting administrator following the fatal collision.
Bedford Receives Praise From Airline Industry
Bedford, who is currently the CEO of regional operator Republic Airways, was also CEO of regional carriers Mesaba Airlines and Business Express Airlines.
"I look forward to working closely with President Trump, Transportation Secretary Duffy and the 45,000 women and men of the FAA to execute on President Trump’s clear and bold vision to develop and deploy a new, modern and cost-effective air traffic control system that will lead to a safer and more efficient aviation network," Bedford said in a statement.
Bedford’s nomination received praise from the airline industry. Nicholas Calio, the president of trade group Airlines for America, said Trump made a “superb choice in nominating Bedford.”
“He intimately understands the importance of a strong working relationship between the FAA and air space operators of all sizes,” Calio said in a statement.
American Airlines shared a similar sentiment on the nomination.
“At such a critical time for our industry, Bryan is the right person for the job and will provide a steady hand at the FAA,” the carrier said in a statement.
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Photo Credit: Exterior of the White House on December 30, 2024. Adam Schultz White House / Adam Schultz
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