Former Airline CEO, Bryan Bedford, to Lead FAA Through Modernization Phase

United States– Bryan Bedford, former CEO of Republic Airways, has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the new Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), following a 53–43 vote on July 9. Appointed by President Donald Trump, Bedford assumes leadership amid a critical phase for U.S. aviation safety and infrastructure reform, including a $12.5 billion modernization program for the nation’s air traffic control system.

Bedford, who led Republic Airways for over 25 years, stepped down recently to take on the FAA role. His airline operated nearly 1,000 daily regional flights for major U.S. carriers.He was confirmed for a five-year term and will oversee the FAA’s modernization agendaBedford’s stance on the 1,500-hour co-pilot training rule has sparked opposition, as he has declined to fully commit to retaining it.A key decision for Bedford will involve determining when to lift the current production cap of 38 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft per monthThe FAA is also maintaining its non-delegation policy on Boeing aircraft certifications, continuing direct inspections of each 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner.

Source: US Senate