After the US president nominates a candidate for the FAA administrator position, the nomination must be confirmed by the US Senate. The Senate typically holds hearings during which the nominee is questioned before voting to approve or reject the appointment.
Mike Whitaker served as the FAA administrator under the Biden administration. He resigned on Inauguration Day after just over a year in role. During his tenure, he frequently clashed with Elon Musk--who now leads a group appointed by Trump to reduce government staffing--over safety concerns at SpaceX.
Born in 1961 in United States, Bryan Bedford has had leading C-level executive experience in aviation industry.
Bedford joined Republic Airways in July 1999 as president and CEO. Before that, he served as president and CEO of Mesaba Holdings in Minneapolis and Business Express Airlines in Boston.
Republic Airways is a US regional airline operating under names American Eagle Delta Connection and United Express using fleet Embraer regional jets During Bedfords tenure at Republic Airways airline grew into $13 billion revenue company fleet 209 aircraft However like many businesses company faced financial challenges along way which led Chapter II bankruptcy filings Despite these hurdles Republic Airways successfully navigated through these difficulties
Notably Bedford was named Airline Executive Year Regional Airline World I997 & .2004 received same honor from Airline Business .2009 featured .40 Under .40 lists Minneapolis Business Journal I998 Indianapolis Business Journal .2000
He holds Bachelor's degree accounting finance Florida State University certified public accountant commercial multi-engine instrument pilot ratings
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A focus on improving aviation safety
Upon taking office new FAA administrator likely several key tasks top priority addressing ongoing safety concerns aviation industry tackling staff shortages crucial aviation roles Trump administration pledged enhance aviation safety United States recent interview Fox News Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy discussed how recent airline tragedies intensified departments focus improving future safety aviation February .2025 Duffy revealed plan "supercharge" Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic controllers Currently US civil aviation regulator plans streamline hiring process reducing eight steps five effort speed hiring "critical positions" industry US Transportation Secretary stressed importance updating infrastructure including wires radios terminals essential equipment
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