Lawmakers Vet FAA Administrator Nominee

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed a vote by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to move the nomination of Michael Whitaker as the next permanent administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to the Senate floor.

The final step of Mr. Whitaker’s possible appointment to the FAA’s top job will take the form of a confirmation vote by the full Senate.

If confirmed, Whitaker, an attorney and private pilot, would return to lead the agency he previously served, from 2013 to 2016, in the capacity of deputy administrator. Whitaker currently serves as chief operating officer at Supernal, the advanced air mobility (AAM) subsidiary of Hyundai, a role he’s held since 2020.

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen stated: “Throughout his career, Mike Whitaker has repeatedly proven himself as a leader who champions safety and innovation. We enthusiastically welcome the approval by the committee and fully support his confirmation by the full Senate as FAA administrator.”

In the deputy administrator’s role, Whitaker led the FAA’s air traffic modernization efforts as chief NextGen officer. Furthermore, he stood up the agency’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Office, the first FAA organization dedicated to UAS operations in the National Airspace System (NAS).

In addition to his work at the FAA and Supernal, Whitaker has served as assistant general counsel at TWA. Later, he led United Airlines as senior vice president of alliances, international, and regulatory affairs. Thereafter, Whitaker held a leadership role as group CEO of InterGlobe Enterprises, the holding company for IndiGo, India’s largest airline.

Founded in 1947 for purpose of fostering an environment conducive to business aviation’s success both in the United States and around the world, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is a Washington D.C.-based non-profit organization representing upwards of ten-thousand company and individual members.

FMI: www.nbaa.org