Trump Taps Republic Airways CEO to Lead FAA

Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford was nominated by the president to lead the agency following several deadly airplane incidents this year.

An American Airlines Airbus plane takes off past the air traffic control tower at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, VA., on Jan. 11, 2023. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

President Donald Trump announced on March 17 the nomination of Bryan Bedford, CEO of Republic Airways, to serve as administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as the agency faces scrutiny over aviation safety concerns and staffing shortages.

“I am pleased to announce the nomination of Bryan Bedford to serve as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),” President Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. “As the former President and CEO of Republic Airways, Mesaba Airlines, and Business Express Airlines, Brian brings over three decades of experience in Aviation and Executive Leadership to this critical position.”