WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Industry Leaders and Outside Groups Voice Support for Trump Nominee Bryan Bedford to Head Federal Aviation Administration
WASHINGTON - Earlier this year, President Trump announced the nomination of Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford to be the next Administrator of the FAA. Outside groups and leaders have voiced their strong support and confidence for the President's pick to lead this critical agency. See what they are saying below:
“As a pilot and someone with decades of first-hand experience in the aviation industry, Bryan is a great choice to lead the FAA. We look forward to working with him on modernizing and staffing our air traffic control system, ensuring the safety of the entire aviation system for travelers, and strengthening this critical component of our economy. We can achieve this through implementation of the FAA Reauthorization Act as well as additional bipartisan and decisive action this Congress. We commend the President for nominating a candidate with an extensive background in aviation and a track record of success, and for doing so in a timely manner so that Congress can act swiftly to get an Administrator in place at this critical time for our aviation system.”
Senator of Indiana Todd Young (R-IN):
“Congratulations to Indiana's own Bryan Bedford, a friend and accomplished aviation industry leader, on being nominated to head the FAA. Bryan will bring expertise and Hoosier common-sense to this position at an important time.”
Former FAA Administrators and Acting Administrators Randy Babbitt, Marion Blakey, Stephen Dickson, Daniel Elwell, Jane Garvey, Michael Huerta, T. Allan McArtor, Billy Nolen, Bobby Sturgell, and Mike Whitaker:
“We write to express our strong bipartisan support for the nomination of Bryan Bedford to serve as the 20th Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administrator. At a time when commercial aviation faces both pressing challenges and transformative opportunities, Mr. Bedford offers the experience, leadership, and character essential to guide the FAA forward.
As individuals with firsthand understanding of the aviation sector, we appreciate the gravity and complexity of this role. In the years ahead, the FAA will be at the center of efforts to modernize and rebuild our nation’s air traffic control system-an undertaking that requires immediate action. Bryan Bedford is exceptionally qualified to lead this effort from day one.
With more than 30 years in the airline industry, Mr. Bedford combines financial and operational expertise as both a certified public accountant and multi-rated pilot. His track record reflects a deep commitment to safety, innovation, and effective leadership-exactly what this moment demands.
We applaud the President’s nomination of Mr. Bedford and respectfully urge the Committee to advance his confirmation without delay. The flying public, and the entire aviation ecosystem, would be well served by his swift installation as FAA Administrator.”
“President Trump made a superb choice in nominating Bryan Bedford to be FAA Administrator. Mr. Bedford has decades of experience in aviation operations, and he leads with a commitment to safety above all else. He intimately understands the importance of a strong working relationship between the FAA and airspace operators of all sizes. His leadership at Republic Airways transformed the company into the flourishing operation it is today, supporting several of A4A’s member carriers. We know Mr. Bedford will work closely with Secretary Duffy to transform America’s aging air traffic control systems, including technology, infrastructure and staffing.
As we continue to remember the Flight 5342 tragedy at DCA and learn from it, we are mindful of what is at stake. Every day, U.S. airlines operate more than 27,000 flights, safely transporting 2.7 million passengers and 61,000 tons of cargo. U.S. passenger and cargo airlines directly employ more than one million workers, and commercial aviation drives five percent of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP).
We urge the Senate Commerce Committee to advance Mr. Bedford’s nomination and the entire Senate to expeditiously confirm him to be our nation’s next FAA Administrator. Our country deserves and needs to have a solid leader in this critical position as soon as possible.”
National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) President Nick Daniels:
“NATCA supports Bryan Bedford’s nomination and welcomes the opportunity to work with him as permanent FAA Administrator to implement Sec. Duffy’s initiative to supercharge controller hiring and his innovative plan to build an all-new, state-of-the-art air traffic control system” said NATCA President Nick Daniels. “Upon his confirmation, we look forward to working with Mr. Bedford, Sec. Duffy, the Administration, Congress, and industry stakeholders on further developing and implementing these proposals, which will ensure the U.S. air traffic control system remains the gold standard in aviation safety.”
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby:
“On behalf of United Airlines, I am writing to you in strong support of the nomination of Bryan Bedford to serve as the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). An experienced leader at the FAA is essential to strengthening our nation’s aviation system. Bryan is an excellent choice to run the FAA during this critical time and his dedication to aviation safety, innovation, and improving our nation’s air traffic control (ATC) system will serve to benefit all Americans who travel by air.
Since 1999, Bryan has served as President and CEO of Republic Airways, one of United’s longest tenured and most important regional express partners. Under Bryan’s leadership, Republic has run a reliable, safe, and efficient operation that has benefited United’s customers and enabled United to provide small communities with service to global destinations throughout our network.
As I have long stated, the single greatest thing that the government can do to improve air travel for Americans is to address chronic controller staffing shortages, update aging technology systems, and invest in outdated ATC facilities. President Trump and Secretary Duffy’s bold plan to rebuild our ATC system is the right approach. With Bryan at the helm of FAA, I’m confident the Administration’s plan to improve ATC will have a strong champion.
Having known and worked with Bryan for over two decades, I know that he will serve as an effective leader at the FAA. I urge the United States Senate to expeditiously confirm Bryan as FAA Administrator. Thank you for your consideration.”
Delta Air Lines:
“Delta Air Lines urges the swift confirmation of Bryan Bedford to FAA Administrator, and we are pleased to see the process moving forward. Mr. Bedford’s extensive experience in the aviation industry, including his more than 25-year tenure as the CEO of Republic Airways makes him an excellent choice to oversee the world’s leading aviation safety authority. The U.S. is at critical crossroad when it comes to overhauling and modernizing our aging air traffic control system and Mr. Bedford is the right choice to lead us through the transformation.”
American Airlines:
“Bryan Bedford is an excellent choice to run the Federal Aviation Administration. Bryan has decades of experience in the aviation industry and is committed to ensuring U.S. aviation remains the safest mode of transportation in the world. At such a critical time for our industry, Bryan is the right person for the job and will provide a steady hand at the FAA. We commend President Trump for the nomination and hope the U.S. Senate will swiftly confirm him.”
Southwest Airlines:
“We applaud President Trump on nominating Bryan Bedford as the next FAA Administrator and respectfully urge the Senate to confirm this highly qualified leader. Bryan is a proven leader whose deep knowledge of aviation will benefit the American public as we work with the U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and other leaders to make much-needed investments in the air traffic control system. Our shared goal is for America’s air transportation network to remain the safest in the world while improving operational reliability and efficiency.”
JetBlue COO Warren Christie:
“On behalf JetBlue, I am writing to express our strong support for Bryan Bedford’s nomination for Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Following his confirmation hearing next week, we urge the Committee to advance Mr. Bedford’s nomination so he can be confirmed by the full United States Senate as soon as possible.
With decades of aviation experience and a strong focus on creating a safety culture at airlines, Bedford is the ideal candidate to lead FAA in 2025. He recognizes the importance of FAA’s strong working relationships with airlines, airports, and other users of the National Airspace System while focused on FAA’s mission to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.
As the Administration moves forward with its plan to transform the nation’s air traffic control system, Bedford will be ideally positioned to work with Secretary Duffy to transform the system’s technology, infrastructure and staffing.
Thank you for considering our views. We hope the Committee and full Senate will promptly act on Mr. Bedford’s confirmation so he can get to work as soon as possible.”
Airbus Chairman & CEO in North America Robin Hayes:
"Airbus is pleased to support the nomination of Bryan Bedford to serve as FAA Administrator. His proven airline leadership managing the complex issues facing our industry will be a critical asset for the FAA. We look forward to working closely with Bryan toward building a safer, more modern and efficient aviation system."
U.S. Travel Association CEO and President Geoff Freeman:
“We applaud President Trump on his selection of Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford as the next Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Bedford brings more than 30 years of aviation experience-including as both a pilot and President and CEO of a regional airline since 1999.
The FAA is currently under immense pressure to modernize while ensuring that our airspace remains safe and efficient for travelers. President Trump and Secretary Duffy are committed to delivering the cutting-edge technology and robust staffing needed for our nation’s air traffic control system.
Bedford is an outstanding candidate to lead the FAA through this historic transformation and work with the administration to usher in a ‘Golden Age of Travel.’ We urge the Senate to swiftly consider Mr. Bedford’s nomination.”
United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA):
“The USTOA urges the swift confirmation of Bryan Bedford to be Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. The nation’s airspace system needs Mr. Bedford at the helm to ensure that Americans and other travelers who use the National Airspace System reach their destinations safely and efficiently. America’s airspace system, which is crucial to travel and tourism, is at a critical juncture right now, and USTOA believes that Mr. Bedford is uniquely qualified to shepherd the FAA through complex issues such as modernizing the nation’s Air Traffic Control system. Millions of travelers depend on the airspace system and would be well-served with Mr. Bedford’s leadership.”
Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI):
“AUVSI congratulates Bryan Bedford on his nomination as the next Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). With over 30 years of aviation leadership, including his tenure as CEO of Republic Airways since 1999, Mr. Bedford brings deep operational and regulatory expertise to the role. His experience in aviation safety, finance, management, and training equips him to address both the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today.
Working alongside Deputy FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau and DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, Mr. Bedford will help lead a strong, forward-thinking FAA team committed to modernizing regulations, enhancing safety, and reinforcing U.S. leadership in global aviation.
As aviation technology evolves, stable and decisive leadership at the FAA is essential to maintain the gold standard of safety while fostering innovation and competitiveness. AUVSI looks forward to collaborating with Mr. Bedford to advance regulatory progress, accelerate certification processes, and unlock growth in emerging sectors like uncrewed systems, advanced air mobility, and autonomous aviation.
We urge the U.S. Senate to begin confirmation hearings without delay and move swiftly toward Mr. Bedford’s confirmation to ensure the FAA is fully equipped to maintain U.S. global leadership in the next era of aviation.”
National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) President and CEO Greg Pecoraro:
“Bedford’s extensive experience in airline operations and executive leadership makes him well-equipped to lead the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA needs a confirmed administrator to driving meaningful and lasting change as the agency confronts ongoing challenges to efficiency, modernization, and safety oversight. NASAO urges the Senate to quickly confirm Bedford’s nomination as the next FAA Administrator.”
National Business Aviation Association CEO and President Ed Bolen:
“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.”
General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President and CEO James Viola:
“GAMA supports Bryan Bedford’s nomination to serve as the next administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). His decades of industry experience and knowledge, combined with his strong leadership skills, will be called upon to strengthen the agency and oversee the modernization of U.S. aviation technology infrastructure. We urge the Senate to swiftly approve his confirmation, and we look forward to working with him and the entire FAA team to further advance aviation safety and innovation.”
Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) President and CEO Kevin M. Burke:
“ACI-NA appreciates the Senate Commerce Committee moving forward with the nomination of Bryan Bedford as FAA Administrator. Mr. Bedford has over 30 years of leadership and operational experience in aviation, including his background as a pilot and airline CEO. His deep understanding of the industry should be an asset to the FAA as it works to advance key priorities, including the modernization of our air traffic control systems, continued infrastructure investment, and strengthening the overall efficiency and resilience of the national airspace system. With U.S. commercial airports supporting 12.8 million jobs and generating $619 billion in annual payroll, it is essential that the FAA be led by an individual who understands the critical economic role airports play in local communities and the national economy.”
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association President and CEO Darren Pleasance:
“We are pleased the Trump Administration has nominated a pilot and someone who has practical experience with our nation’s air traffic control system to lead the FAA. Should Mr. Bedford be confirmed by the Senate, we look forward to working with him to advance general aviation in the United States and to modernize our air traffic control system so that the FAA’s controllers have the best tools available to operate the safest aviation system in the world.”
National Air Carrier Association CEO and President George Novak:
“We commend President Trump for nominating Republic Airways President and CEO Bryan Bedford to be the next FAA Administrator. With more than 30 years of experience in the airline industry and as a pilot with commercial, multi-engine and instrument ratings, he is exceptionally well-qualified to lead the agency during one of the most challenging periods in American aviation history.
Mr. Bedford is well-positioned to implement Secretary Duffy’s initiatives to accelerate the modernization of our safe — yet antiquated — air traffic control system and increase air traffic controller recruitment and training. He also understands the importance of modernizing pilot training standards to ensure that our nation has an adequate supply of world-class pilots. We strongly urge the Senate to move swiftly to confirm Mr. Bedford and we look forward to working with him to address the many challenges facing the aviation sector.”
National Air Transportation Association (NATA) CEO and President Curt Castagna:
“Bryan Bedford brings a deep understanding of aviation operations and demonstrated commitment to safety, as well as the leadership experience to guide the FAA through urgent priorities, including modernizing air traffic control infrastructure, strengthening the aviation workforce pipeline and ensuring regulatory consistency for operators of all sizes.
The role of FAA Administrator is too important to remain unfilled. From advancing the safe integration of new entrants and technologies to maintaining our leadership and public confidence in the NAS, the next administrator must be both a collaborator and a visionary.
NATA is poised to work alongside Bedford and FAA leadership to address evolving needs and drive progress across the aviation business landscape. NATA urges the Senate to swiftly confirm this nomination, ensuring the FAA is empowered to meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s opportunities.”
Regional Airline Association (RAA) CEO and President Faye Malarkey Black:
“For more than two decades, I have been privileged to see firsthand the visionary leadership Bryan brought as CEO of Republic Airways, where he led the organization through decades of powerful growth and expansion with integrity, ingenuity, and a relentless focus on safety. 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. As an RAA Board member, Bryan never shied away from doing the right thing, even when it meant following a more challenging path. Today, our aviation system is safe, but every aspect is straining and in need of deep repair. I can think of no better person than Bryan to take up the mantle of leadership at the FAA and set course for a stronger, safer tomorrow.
Bryan is a leader driven by purpose, a collaborator and consensus builder, and he will make an exceptional public servant. His deep understanding of aviation’s complexities, extensive industry expertise, and unwavering dedication to aviation safety make him an outstanding choice to lead the FAA at this critical time. We look forward to Bryan’s leadership in shaping a safer, more resilient future for the aviation industry.”