President Donald Trump has named Republic Airlines CEO Brian Bedford as his chosen leader to run the troubled Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Bryan Bedford, CEO of Frontier Airlines parent company Republic Airways
Trump posted on his “TruthSocial” account: “As the former President and CEO of Republic Airways, Mesaba Airlines and BusinessExpress Airlines, Brian brings more than three decades of aviation and executive leadership experience to this critical position. Brian will work with our outstanding Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to vigorously reform the agency to protect our aviation exports and ensure the safety of nearly 1 billion passengers every year."
Since January of this year, the position of FAA Administrator has been held by Chris Rocheleau in an acting capacity. Trump appointed Rochereau to the position just hours after a fatal mid-air collision between a passenger plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter killed 67 people, the worst U.S. crash in nearly two decades. The National Transportation Safety Board said in a preliminary report that there were warning signs before the disaster over the Potomac River.
Former FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker was confirmed to begin his five-year term in 2023, but he announced last year that he would resign after Trump took office.