On March 17, 2025, President Donald Trump nominated Bryan Bedford to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as the agency’s new Administrator. Mr. Bedford’s nomination comes as the FAA faces heightened scrutiny over safety incidents and challenges to the air traffic control workforce. Mr. Bedford will take over the role from Chris Rocheleau, who was named Acting Administrator soon after Mike Whittaker, the former FAA Administrator, stepped down from the position on January 20, 2025.

Mr. Bedford brings to the FAA over 30 years of airline industry experience. Most recently, he was President and CEO of Indianapolis-based Republic Airways. His tenure at Republic Airways spans several decades, since July 1999. Previously, he also served as President and CEO of Mesaba Holdings Inc. in Minneapolis and Express Airlines Inc. in Boston. In addition to being an airline executive, Mr. Bedford is a pilot with multi-engine and instrument pilot ratings.

President Trump enthusiastically supports Mr. Bedford’s nomination and took to Truth Social noting his three decades of aviation and leadership experience and saying: “Bryan will work with our GREAT Secretary of Transportation” to “strongly reform the Agency, safeguard our exports, and ensure the safety of nearly one billion annual passenger movements.”  

Additionally, Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy took to X saying: “Excellent choice, President Trump!” and also noting that due to Mr. Bedford’s “decades of experience in the airline sector, [he] understands the need for swift, bold action to enhance the safety over our skies.” Secretary Duffy’s post concludes by saying “Let’s get him confirmed ASAP! There is no time to waste when it comes to building an all-new, state-of-the-art air traffic control system that is the envy of the world.”

We will monitor Mr. Bedford’s upcoming Senate confirmation hearings and his plans concerning the FAA.