by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:05 AM ET, Tue March 18, 2025
United States President Donald Trump announced on Monday
that longtime airline industry executive Bryan Bedford was chosen to lead the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA).
According to The
New York Times, Bedford has held the role of president and chief executive
at Republic Airways since 1999, with President Trump praising Bedford’s
experience in aviation and executive leadership.
“Bryan will work with our GREAT Secretary of Transportation,
Sean Duffy, to strongly reform the Agency, safeguard our exports, and ensure
the safety of nearly one billion annual passenger movements,” President Trump
said in a statement.
Bedford takes on the vacant role of FAA administrator after
the former leader, Mike Whitaker, resigned on January 20. Chris Rocheleau has
been the acting administrator since Whitaker’s departure.
“Having worked with Bryan Bedford for two decades, I have
total confidence in his ability to lead the FAA at this critical time,” United
Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said.
“He intimately understands the importance of a strong
working relationship between the F.A.A. and air space operators of all sizes,” Airlines
for America CEO Nick Calio said.
U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman also
issued a statement:
“We applaud President Trump on his selection of Republic
Airways CEO Bryan Bedford as the next administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA). Bedford brings more than 30 years of aviation experience
— including as both a pilot and President and CEO of a regional airline since
1999.”
“The FAA is currently under immense pressure to modernize,
while ensuring that our airspace remains safe and efficient for travelers.
President Trump and Secretary Duffy are committed to delivering the
cutting-edge technology and robust staffing needed for our nation’s air traffic
control system.”
“Bedford is an outstanding candidate to lead the FAA through
this historic transformation and work with the administration to usher in a
'Golden Age of Travel.' We urge the Senate to swiftly consider Mr. Bedford’s
nomination.”
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