Who is Bryan Bedford?
- icarussmith20
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
President Donald Trump nominated Bryan Bedford, the longtime CEO of Republic Airways, to serve as the next Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on March 17 this year.
The top job at the FAA has been vacant since January 20, when FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker stepped down a little more than one year into his five-year term when Trump took office. Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau has been tasked with running the FAA on an interim basis.
Bedford has enjoyed a decades-long career as an airline executive, notably serving as CEO of Republic Airways since 1999. He is credited with overseeing Republic’s transformation into one of the largest regional airlines in North America. Under his leadership, the Indiana-based airline expanded its fleet significantly and grew revenues from $85 million to over $1.3 billion.
Bedford attended Florida State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance. A certified pilot with multi-engine and instrument ratings, Bedford is known by some for fostering a strong safety culture within his airline.
Public Reaction
Bedford’s nomination received a mixed reaction from industry stakeholders.
In the wake of his nomination, Trump posted on Truth Social that Bedford "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."
Some unnamed “key” senators who oversee aviation issues were less certain when they had their temperature checked on the would-be FAA administrator. At the moment, they appear to be still forming an opinion on the nominee or waiting to get more information about him.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), a member of the aviation panel, told POLITICO she had concerns about regional airlines and how they treat employees, adding sceptically that “We’ll see what happens.”
Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) published a statement in support of the nomination, saying: “Working alongside [then] Deputy FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau and DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, Mr. Bedford will help lead a strong, forward-thinking FAA team committed to modernizing regulations, enhancing safety, and reinforcing U.S. leadership in global aviation.”
Airlines for America (A4A) President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio also praised the nomination, telling reporters, “President Trump made a superb choice in nominating Bryan Bedford to be FAA Administrator. Mr Bedford has decades of experience in aviation operations, and he leads with a commitment to safety above all else.”
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), a labor union representing pilots at 42 American and Canadian airlines, were less positive about the Florida-born airline exec. “We have concerns about the nominee’s past efforts to lower pilot training and safety standards, and we look forward to hearing his assurances that he will maintain the current requirements,” said Captain Jason Ambrosi, ALPA President, in a statement.
Ambrosi is likely referencing Republic’s 2022 request that graduates of its own flight training academy be granted their transport pilot license at the 750-hour threshold required for US military pilots to receive the same license. The FAA disagreed with various points in Republic’s petition, primarily its assertion that its internal training programs were conducted with the same rigor as the military’s training programs. The FAA also commented that as the minimum flight hours directive was introduced by Congress, a request for an exemption would be less preferable than requesting an overall review of the law.
Next steps
There is a long and sometimes treacherous road between nomination and confirmation in American politics.
Before Bedford begins the process of assuming leadership of the FAA, he must first:
Appear before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee for a confirmation hearing. This committee oversees the FAA and will thoroughly question Bedford on his qualifications and vision for the agency.
Succeed in a committee vote following the hearing on whether to advance Bedford’s nomination to the full Senate.
Receive a simple majority in a full Senate vote.
Upon confirmation, Bedford will be sworn in as the new FAA Administrator, typically in a ceremony attended by the Secretary of Transportation.
If confirmed, Bedford will assume leadership of an agency facing intense public scrutiny in the aftermath of a mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people. Bedford will face key decisions, including when to let Boeing expand production of its 737 Max beyond the current 38 plane-per-month cap and when to approve two new variants of the best-selling plane.
A newly confirmed Bedford will also have to contend with an FAA that is massively understaffed - current estimates place it 3,500 air traffic controllers short of targeted staffing levels. In many places, controllers are working six days a week and mandatory overtime. Is he up to the task? We will have to wait and see.
