President Donald Trump has nominated Republic Airways president and CEO Bryan Bedford as administrator of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, the president announced Monday on Truth Social.
Former FAA official Chris Rocheleau has been the acting FAA administrator and took over from former FAA administrator Mike Whitaker, who stepped down on Jan. 20.
Bedford "brings over three decades of experience in Aviation and Executive Leadership to this critical position," Trump wrote.
Bedford requires Senate approval to become FAA administrator. If confirmed, he would serve under U.S. Department of Transportation secretary Sean Duffy.
Bedford joined Republic, based in Indianapolis, in 1999 in his current role, according to his profile on the carrier's website. Previously, he served as president and CEO of the former Mesaba Airlines, based in Minneapolis, and of the former Business Express Airlines in Boston.
"Having worked with Bryan Bedford for two decades, I have total confidence in his ability to lead the FAA at this critical time," United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said in a statement.
"Bedford brings more than 30 years of aviation experience—including as both a pilot and President and CEO of a regional airline since 1999," U.S. Travel Association president and CEO Geoff Freeman said in a statement. "The FAA is currently under immense pressure to modernize, while ensuring that our airspace remains safe and efficient for travelers."
The FAA has faced increased scrutiny following multiple safety incidents and an ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers.
"The [ATC] staffing shortage has been a known challenge for over a decade," Duffy said in a Feb. 27 statement announcing a new plan to "supercharge" the hiring of ATCs.
"Mr. Bedford has decades of experience in aviation operations, and he leads with a commitment to safety above all else," airline lobbying group Airlines for America president and CEO Nicholas Calio said in a statement. "We know Mr. Bedford will work closely with Secretary Duffy to transform America's aging air traffic control system, including technology, infrastructure and staffing. We urge the Senate to expeditiously confirm his nomination."