Trump nominates Bryan Bedford as next FAA Administrator
March 18, 2025
US president Trump has nominated Bryan Bedford as the next administrator of the FAA, bringing what he terms “over three decades of experience in aviation and executive leadership to this critical position”. The position has been vacant since Trump’s inauguration, with previous administrator Mike Whitaker stepping down and deputy administrator Chris Rocheleau heading up the regulator on an interim basis.
“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. Congratulations Bryan!” wrote Trump on social media.
Duffy commended Trump’s choice of candidate, explaining that “with decades of experience in the airline sector, Bryan understands the need for swift, bold action to enhance the safety over our skies”. He also urged Duffy’s nomination be confirmed as soon as possible, concluding that “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”.
The job will by no means be an easy one, with the new FAA head to play a crucial role in navigating ongoing Boeing quality control oversight, potential increases to MAX production, the modernisation of a legacy ATC system and co-ordinating ongoing responses to recent high-profile accidents.
Bedford has been president and CEO of regional carrier Republic since 1999, having previously served in the same role with Mesaba Holdings in Minneapolis and Business Airlines Express in Boston. During his time at Republic, Bedford oversaw a transformation also doubling the carrier’s revenues and extending its fleet from 36 to 200. He also holds multi-engine and instrument pilot ratings.
“As a pilot and someone with decades of first-hand experience in the aviation industry, Bryan is a great choice to lead the FAA,” commented the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “We commend the President for nominating a candidate with an extensive background in aviation and a track record of success, and for doing so in a timely manner so that Congress can act swiftly to get an Administrator in place at this critical time for our aviation system”.
