The White House selection of long-time Republic Airways president Bryan Bedford to become the next FAA Administrator is drawing wide praise throughout the industry, which called him “exceptionally well-suited for the role.” President Trump announced the nomination yesterday on the Truth Social platform, noting Bedford “brings over three decades of experience in aviation and executive leadership to this critical position.”

Trump added Bedford would work with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy “to strongly reform the agency, safeguard our exports, and ensure the safety of nearly one billion annual passenger movements.”

Bedford, who would need Senate confirmation, would step into the position vacated ahead of the presidential inauguration in January by former FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker. The position currently is being held on an acting basis by former NBAA COO Chris Rocheleau.

Bedford has led Republic since July 1999 as president and CEO after serving in the same roles at Mesaba Holdings in Minneapolis and Business Express Airlines. During his tenure at Republic, the airline has grown from $85 million in revenues and 36 turboprop aircraft to more than $1.3 billion in revenues and an operating fleet of nearly 200 Embraer E-Jets, the company said.

The Regional Airline Association (RAA) offered strong support for the nomination and urged swift confirmation. At the same time, it praised Rocheleau for providing strong leadership at the agency during a particularly critical time.

RAA president and CEO Faye Malarkey Black noted Bedford has led Republic Airways “through decades of powerful growth and expansion with integrity, ingenuity, and a relentless focus on safety. He cultivated a safety culture that permeates every aspect of the airline, where people on the front lines of the airline are empowered, every day, to make the right choice for safety.”

Malarkey Black added that Bedford “never shied away from doing the right thing, even when it meant following a more challenging path. I can think of no better person than Bryan to take up the mantle of leadership at the FAA and set the course for a stronger, safer tomorrow.”

National Air Transportation Association president and CEO Curt Castagna noted Bedford is a private pilot, as well as a seasoned executive. “Bedford has firsthand knowledge of aviation operations, safety regulations, and workforce dynamics. Bedford’s direct experience dealing with pressing issues facing the FAA, such as pilot training standards, workforce shortages, and technological upgrades, makes him well-suited for the role.”

Castagna also noted that Bedford has demonstrated a willingness to seek solutions in regulatory debates. Bedford has received similar praise from other industry groups representing airlines, airports, and passengers.

On Capitol Hill, U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Graves (R-Missiouri) and aviation subcommittee Chair Troy Nehls (R-Texas) released a joint statement calling Bedford “a great choice to lead the FAA” and saying, “We look forward to working with him on modernizing and staffing our air traffic control system, ensuring the safety of the entire aviation system for travelers, and strengthening this critical component of our economy. “

Bedford would step into the FAA at a time when it is facing a series of high-profile accidents, continued reforms including those stemming from the fallout of events surrounding Boeing, and an ambitious White House agenda to dramatically step up and expedite air traffic control modernization.