Trump Nominates Republic Airways CEO to Lead US FAA

Source: US News and World Report/Reuters

March 17, 2025, at 5:33 p.m.


WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump is nominating Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford to head the Federal Aviation Administration in the face of growing scrutiny following a series of crashes.

Bedford, a pilot and industry veteran of more than 30 years, previously headed two other carriers and oversaw a significant expansion of Republic Airways. "Bryan brings over three decades of experience in Aviation and Executive Leadership to this critical position," Trump said.

Indiana-based Republic is one of the biggest regional airlines in North America, operating a fleet of more than 200 Embraer aircraft with 900 daily flights in the United States and Canada. The flights operate under airline partner brands American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express. Bedford's nomination won praise from airlines.

The FAA position has been vacant since January 20, when FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker stepped down a little more than one year into a five-year term when Trump took office. The FAA has been run on an interim basis by Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau.

Read more: https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2025-03-17/trump-nominates-republic-airways-ceo-bryan-bedford-as-us-faa-head