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Bedford Confirmed as New FAA Administrator

Senators vote 53-43 in favor of the former Republic Airways CEO.

Wednesday, July 09, 2025 at 02:58 PM ET

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Former Republic Airways CEO and now FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford [Courtesy: Republic Airways]

Key Takeaways:

Bryan Bedford, former CEO of Republic Airways, has been confirmed as the new FAA Administrator following a U.S. Senate vote.
His nomination generated opposition due to his past positions questioning the 1,500-hour pilot flight time rule and the mandatory pilot retirement age, as well as an inaccuracy regarding his pilot license on Republic's website.
Bedford takes leadership of the FAA amidst significant challenges, including a shortage of air traffic controllers, a planned multibillion-dollar overhaul of ATC infrastructure, and ongoing oversight of safety and quality control issues at Boeing.

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Former Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford has been confirmed as the new administrator of the FAA.

The U.S. Senate confirmed Bedford in a 53-43 vote Wednesday afternoon.

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.