Pilot And Industry Veteran With Proven Organizational Leadership

The National Business Aviation Association greeted President Donald Trump’s nomination of Bryan Bedford with approval as a pilot and aviation industry veteran with extensive experience in organizational leadership who, if confirmed, will bring consistency and continuity to the agency as the next administrator.

Ed Bolen, President and CEO of NBAA released the following statement:

“Bryan Bedford’s depth of experience as a business leader, his firsthand knowledge of aviation as a pilot and airline executive, and his reputation for innovation make him well qualified to serve as FAA administrator. Upon his Senate confirmation, we look forward to working with Bryan as the FAA redoubles its focus on aviation safety, including the people, facilities and equipment in the National Airspace System.”

Bedford is originally from Florida and attended Florida State University where he received a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance, and is a certified public accountant. He holds commercial and multi-engine certificates and is instrument rated.

He was featured in two 40 Under 40 lists by the Minneapolis Business Journal in 1998 and the Indianapolis Business Journal in 2000. Early in his career he was a financial controller for WestAir Commuter Airlines and became CFO for Phoenix Airline Services in 1993 and the same year he was a principal in Chicago Express Airline’s regional service.

In 1995 Bedford was named President and CEO of Mesaba Airlines, and in 1999 became President, Chairman, and Chief Executive of Chautauqua Airlines where he served after the attacks on September 11, 2001.

In 1999 Bedford had become President ant Chief Executive of Republic Airways Holdings and was named Chairman in 2001. In 2009 Republic won a bankruptcy auction for Frontier Airlines. He has served as President and CEO of Republic until the present.

FMI:  nbaa.org/