Daniel Elwell, a former airline executive with industry, government and association experience, is set to return to the FAA as deputy administrator. President Donald Trump last week announced his intent to appoint Elwell to the post.

Elwell most recently has been president and managing partner of his own consulting firm, Elwell & Associates and involved with the Trump Administration on issues such as the independent air traffic control organization proposal. He has a strong background in airline operations, having served as senior v-p for safety, security and operations for Airlines for America, as well as managing director, international and government affairs for American Airlines. Elwell also has experience in the manufacturing sector as vice president of the Aerospace Industries Association.

But the appointment would bring him back to the agency that he served from July 2006-2008 as assistant administrator for aviation policy, planning and environment.

In announcing the plans for the nomination, the White House further highlighted Elwell’s U.S. Air Force service and his more 6,000 hours of combined military and civil time as a pilot.

The appointment drew praise from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association president Paul Rinaldi, who noted his “tremendous wealth of experience in aviation” and added, “His experience and ability to build strong relationships in the aviation community makes him uniquely qualified to help lead the FAA forward.”