Bryan Bedford Expected to Fill Gap Opened by Whitaker’s Retirement

Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford is rumored to be the leading candidate to head the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under President Donald Trump. Bedford has allegedly interviewed for the role, which requires Senate confirmation.

Bedford’s aviation highlights include leadership roles at multiple regional airlines, including Mesaba Holdings and Business Express Airlines, before joining Republic Airways in 1999 as president and CEO. Under his leadership, Republic expanded into a $1.3 billion revenue operation, operating more than 200 Embraer aircraft. It was not immune to the increasingly common bankruptcy plague, however, filing for Chapter 11 in February 2016 and emerging in April 2017.

Despite the challenges, Bedford has been recognized for his leadership time and time again. He was named Airline Executive of the Year award multiple times and made special appearances on "40 Under 40" lists from several business journals. Outside of the industry, he holds a Bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from Florida State University, is a certified public accountant, and has his commercial pilot license.

If nominated and confirmed, Bedford would replace interim FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau. Rocheleau stepped in after former FAA head Mike Whitaker resigned on Inauguration Day following clashes with Elon Musk over SpaceX safety concerns.

Bedford would take over at a time when scrutiny of aviation safety is at an all-time high. A January 29 mid-air between an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport resulted in 67 fatalities, reigniting concerns about air traffic control. Additional incidents, including fatal small-plane crashes, a Delta regional jet flipping upon landing in Toronto, and a near-miss involving a Southwest Airlines jet in Chicago, have only added to the FAA’s turbulence.

Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has called for tens of billions in funding to modernize the country’s aging air traffic control system. With a nationwide shortage of 3,500 air traffic controllers, many are working mandatory overtime just to keep the system functioning. The FAA has responded by imposing new restrictions on helicopter operations near major airports, beginning with Washington Reagan National (DCA).

If confirmed, Bedford will inherit these challenges—along with the responsibility of ensuring that the skies remain as safe as advertised.

FMI: www.faa.gov