Trump nominates Bryan Bedford as FAA director.

President Trump nominated Bryan Bedford, the CEO of Republic Airways, as the director of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Monday (March 17). This nomination comes amid increasing scrutiny of regulatory agencies following a series of air disasters.

Bedford, with over 30 years of experience in the aviation industry, has led multiple airlines to successful growth and expansion, including Republic Airways, one of the largest regional airlines in North America. The airline operates over 200 aircraft and around 900 flights per day, providing transportation services for major carriers such as American Eagle, Delta Air, and United Airlines.

In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated, “As the former president and CEO of Republic Airways, Mesaba Airlines, and Business Express Airlines, Bryan has over thirty years of rich experience in the aviation industry and senior management, making him an ideal candidate for this key position.”

Trump expressed his anticipation for Bedford to closely collaborate with Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to vigorously advance FAA reform, ensuring the safety and competitiveness of the U.S. aviation industry.

The position of FAA director has been vacant since the resignation of Mike Whitaker on January 20. If Bedford’s nomination is confirmed by the Senate, he will face crucial decisions including the approval of the new Boeing 737 MAX model.

Bedford previously sought to relax pilot training regulations in 2022, a proposal rejected by the FAA citing safety concerns. This issue may draw attention during the nomination review in the Senate. In response to the FAA’s decision, he stated, “Despite the opposition, our proposal aims to enhance safety through highly structured, task-specific training.”

Bedford’s nomination comes at a challenging time for the FAA, dealing with issues such as understaffed air traffic controllers, aging facilities, and the recent impact of fatal mid-air collisions. If he assumes office successfully, he will carry the significant responsibility of leading the FAA to ensure the safety and efficiency of the U.S. aviation system.

(This article references relevant reports from Reuters and The Hill)