Bryan Bedford Awaits Confirmation to Take Over Fragile Agency

President Donald Trump has nominated Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), placing him in charge of an agency still dealing with the aftermath of the deadliest US airline crash in nearly two decades.

“As the former President and CEO of Republic Airways, Mesaba Airlines, and Business Express Airlines, Brian brings over three decades of experience in Aviation and Executive Leadership to this critical position,” President Trump posted on social media. “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!”

Bedford, who has led Republic Airways since 1999, has spent decades in the regional airline industry. His tenure at Republic saw the airline expand significantly—before filing for bankruptcy in 2016. While he has been recognized for his leadership, his stance on pilot training regulations has drawn criticism, particularly from lawmakers who have fought to maintain current safety standards. In 2022, Republic petitioned the FAA for an exemption that would allow its flight academy graduates to obtain commercial pilot certification with roughly half of the required 1,500 flight hours. The FAA rejected the request, stating that it could compromise safety.

The FAA recently fired nearly 400 probationary employees, and further staffing cuts are expected as part of a broader government-wide directive. Though officials claim safety-critical personnel will be unaffected, the previous round of layoffs included FAA staff responsible for air traffic control support and transportation safety research.

A particularly urgent issue facing the FAA is the ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers, with the agency operating at a deficit of approximately 3,500 controllers. Many are working mandatory overtime to keep up with demand, while modernization efforts lag. To combat this, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has called for billions in funding to update the air traffic control system.

If confirmed, Bedford will step into the front lines to face these challenges as well as try to restore public confidence in aviation safety… assuming he’s in office long enough to do so. Former FAA head Mike Whitaker resigned on January 20, 2025, after just over a year of his five-year term. He was replaced by current acting administrator Chris Rocheleau.

FMI: www.faa.gov