Trump Taps Republic Airways CEO to Lead the FAA

DALLAS — U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday, March 17, 2025, the nomination of Bryan Bedford, longtime president and CEO of Republic Airways (YX), to serve as the next Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator. 

Bedford, who brings over thirty years of aviation industry experience to the position, has received widespread support from industry groups and lawmakers as he prepares to tackle the agency's significant challenges.

POTUS took to Truth Social to post the news of Bedford's nomination, adding, "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's Background

Bedford has served as president and CEO of YX since 1999, overseeing the airline's growth from 36 turboprops to more than 200 Embraer E-Jets. A certified pilot with multi-engine and instrument ratings, Bedford has built a reputation for prioritizing safety throughout his career.

"He cultivated a safety culture that permeates every aspect of the airline, where people on the front lines of the airline are empowered, every day, to make the right choice for safety," said Regional Airline Association President Faye Malarkey Black.

Before joining YX, Bedford served as president of Business Express Airlines (HQ), which later merged with American Eagle (MQ) in 2000, and Mesaba Holdings, the owner of Mesaba Airlines.

Republic Airways operates approximately 900 daily flights across the U.S. and Canada, providing regional service for American Airlines (AA), Delta Air Lines (DL), and United Airlines (UA).

ATC, Boeing Challenges

If confirmed, Bedford will inherit an agency facing several critical issues. Among the challenges is the shortage of air traffic controllers (ATC), with the FAA approximately 3,500 controllers short of its staffing goals.

Many controllers fear burnout, working six days a week with mandatory overtime. Additionally, Bedford must review the Boeing 737 MAX production and decide to approve new variants amid ongoing quality control concerns.

New Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is asking Congress for tens of billions of dollars to modernize the outdated air traffic control system, a project Bedford would help spearhead if confirmed.

Industry, Congressional Support

Bedford's nomination has garnered broad support across the aviation industry. Airlines for America (A4A), representing major U.S. carriers, called Bedford a "superb choice" and urged the Senate to "expeditiously confirm his nomination."

National Air Transportation Association President Curt Castagna praised Bedford's industry knowledge: "As a private pilot with commercial ratings and a seasoned executive in the airline industry, Bedford has firsthand knowledge of aviation operations, safety regulations, and workforce dynamics."

Congressional leaders have also expressed support. Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX) released a joint statement calling Bedford "a great choice to lead the FAA" and noting, "As a pilot and someone with decades of first-hand experience in the aviation industry, Bryan is a great choice to lead the FAA."

Looking Ahead

In his announcement on Truth Social, President Trump highlighted Bedford's extensive experience and outlined expectations for his tenure: "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."

It remains to be seen when Bedford's nomination will be taken up in the Senate, or his confirmation hearing will be scheduled. If confirmed, he will lead the FAA during a critical period of modernization efforts and safety challenges in the American aviation system.

The FAA has operated without a confirmed head since January 2025 after former administrator Mike Whitaker resigned a year into his five-year term. Chris Rocheleau has been serving as acting administrator in the interim.

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