Deputy Transportation Secretary Expected to Be Next Interim Head of FAA According to Report

Current acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen could depart from the agency as early as this week.

Monday, June 05, 2023 at 02:02 PM ET

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Polly Trottenberg would be replacing current acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen, according to the report. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Polly Trottenberg, the current Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, is expected to be named the interim head of the FAA, replacing Billy Nolen who is departing to join eVTOL manufacturer Archer Aviation.
Trottenberg brings extensive public sector experience but reportedly lacks direct aviation expertise, which could be a significant challenge as the FAA grapples with staffing shortages, outdated technology, and safety concerns.
Her appointment comes as the FAA has been without a Senate-confirmed permanent administrator since 2022 and faces increasing pressure to manage booming air travel demand and address operational issues like a shortage of air traffic controllers.

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Polly Trottenberg, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), is expected to be named the next interim head of the FAA, according to news agency Reuters.

Trottenberg would be replacing current acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen, and several sources say his departure from the agency could be as early as this week. Nolen will still have close ties to the industry as he plans to join eVTOL startup Archer Aviation.