Trump’s FAA Administrator Pick Garners Support From Industry

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump highlighted Bedford’s more than three decades of experience in the aviation industry.

“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,” Trump wrote.

Duffy in a post on X said, “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.”

According to his biography on Republic Airways’ website, Bedford is a certified pilot with multi-engine and instrument ratings and grew the airline’s fleet from 36 turboprops to more than 200 Embraer E-Jets. Republic flies regional service on behalf of American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, the nation’s three largest carriers. It also runs the only flight training academy owned by a regional airline. Bedford previously served as president of Business Express Airlines, which merged with American Eagle in 2000, and Mesaba Holdings, the owner of Mesaba Airlines, which later became part of Endeavor Air.

The airline executive’s nomination was met with broad support from the aviation industry. Airlines for America (A4A)—which represents American, Delta, United, and the country’s other major airlines—called Bedford a “superb choice” and urged the Senate to “expeditiously confirm his nomination.”

“He intimately understands the importance of a strong working relationship between the FAA and air space operators of all sizes,” said Nicholas Calio, president and CEO of A4A, in a statement. “His leadership at Republic Airways has transformed the company into the flourishing operation it is today, supporting several of A4A’s member carriers. We know Mr. Bedford will work closely with Secretary Duffy to transform America’s aging air traffic control systems, including technology, infrastructure and staffing.”

United and Southwest Airlines also issued statements congratulating Bedford.

The Republic Airways CEO received further words of support from the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), Airports Council International, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International,  U.S. Travel Association, and Regional Airline Association (RAA), where he is a board member.

“[Bedford] cultivated a safety culture that permeates every aspect of the airline, where people on the front lines of the airline are empowered, every day, to make the right choice for safety,” wrote Faye Malarket Black, president and CEO of RAA. “Today, our aviation system is safe, but every aspect is straining and in need of deep repair. I can think of no better person than Bryan to take up the mantle of leadership at the FAA and set course for a stronger, safer tomorrow.”

Billy Nolen, who left his role as acting FAA administrator to become chief safety officer of electric aircraft developer Archer Aviation in 2023, added, “He is the right man at the right time to lead the FAA. All of us in the industry stand ready to work closely with him.”

Should Bedford be confirmed by the Senate, he will replace Chris Rocheleau, whom Trump appointed acting FAA administrator in January in the wake of the first major commercial passenger flight accident in the U.S. since 2009. The National Transportation Safety Board last week released its preliminary report on the fatal collision between a U.S. Army helicopter and Bombardier CRJ700 passenger jet, urging “immediate action” to prevent a future accident. The FAA has already implemented safety measures at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) and is analyzing traffic at other busy airports.

Bedford would take the lead on the agency’s efforts to modernize its safety and communications systems. It is testing Starlink satellite terminals, for example, under a controversial agreement with SpaceX that has led to calls for a probe into conflicts of interest. The FAA last week also confirmed it will deploy artificial intelligence to identify what Duffy described as “hot spots” for potential collisions.

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