Bryan Bedford, an experienced figure in the airline industry, was selected by President Trump on Monday to lead the Federal Aviation Administration. Since the year 1999, Mr. Bedford has served as president and chief executive of Republic Airways, which operates flights on behalf of the three largest airlines in the United States.
President Trump announced on social media and described Mr. Bedford as someone whose aviation knowledge and executive background make him well-suited for the role.
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In his statement, Mr. Trump explained that Mr. Bedford would join forces with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to bring about strong changes in the agency, strengthen export protections, and prioritize the safety of close to a billion passenger trips each year.
The F.A.A. Vacancy and National Concerns
The Federal Aviation Administration has remained without a permanent administrator since President Trump took office two months ago. Mike Whitaker, who previously held the position, stepped down on January 20, leaving the agency under temporary leadership.
Chris Rocheleau has since been serving as the acting administrator responsible for aviation safety. Should the Senate approve Mr. Bedford’s nomination, he would be stepping in at a time when the F.A.A. is still dealing with the impact of a deadly aviation incident.
On January 29, a tragic collision took place involving an American Airlines aircraft and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, leading to the loss of 67 lives.
Mr. Bedford is also expected to tackle several pressing challenges that have drawn attention from both President Trump and Secretary Duffy. One of the most urgent matters is the shortage of air traffic controllers and the outdated technology they rely on to manage airspace.
Industry Reaction and Mr. Bedford’s Track Record
His nomination has been well received across the aviation sector. Scott Kirby, the chief executive of United Airlines, said in a statement that he has worked with Mr. Bedford for over 20 years and has complete trust in his capacity to lead the F.A.A. during this demanding period.
United Airlines owns a 19 percent share in Republic Airways. Republic Airways experienced major growth under Mr. Bedford’s leadership. The airline’s revenue increased from under $90 million in 1999 to more than $1.2 billion by 2016, according to data from S&P Capital IQ.
That same year, due to a shortage of pilots affecting the industry, the airline filed for bankruptcy protection. It returned as a private company in 2017 and was said to be considering a public offering sometime afterward.
According to federal records, Republic Airways operated flights for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines last year, transporting more than 19 million passengers. American Airlines currently owns a 25 percent stake in the company.
Nick Calio, who serves as the chief executive of Airlines for America, a trade group representing major carriers, released a statement praising Mr. Bedford. He emphasized that Mr. Bedford understands the importance of cooperation between the aviation agency and carriers of every size.
