President Donald Trump tapped airline executive Bryan Bedford to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Monday.
Bedford has been the CEO of Indiana-based regional airline Republic Airways since 2007. In a Truth Social post on Monday, Trump wrote that he was “pleased” to announce Bedford’s nomination as the FAA’s administrator.
“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,” Trump’s post read.
Bedford will need to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate before he begins work at the FAA. The president also referenced Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, noting that Bedford will work with him.
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Bryan Bedford, seen in this 2011 picture, has been tapped to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (Matthew Staver/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“Bryan will work with our GREAT Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, to strongly reform the Agency, safeguard our exports, and ensure the safety of nearly one billion annual passenger movements,” Trump’s post noted. “Congratulations Bryan!”
The recent announcement comes as the Trump administration continues its overhaul of the FAA, which involved laying off hundreds of workers in February. The agency attracted scrutiny after the Jan. 29 Potomac River midair collision at Reagan National Airport near D.C., which killed 67 people.
“We must have only the highest standards for those who work in our aviation system,” Trump said at the time. “Only the highest aptitude — you have to be the highest intellect — and psychologically superior people, were allowed to qualify for air traffic controllers.”
Following Trump’s announcement about Bedford, he also named new appointees to serve on military academy boards.
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