After a key Senate committee hearing last week, numerous aviation groups, including the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) called upon lawmakers to move forward on the nomination of Bryan Bedford as the next permanent administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Bedford appeared last week before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, which is considering his nomination as FAA administrator. The committee must now consider whether to approve the nomination and forward it to the full Senate for a final vote of confirmation.
“Bryan Bedford’s organizational leadership, aviation expertise and proven track record of innovation make him an outstanding choice to lead the FAA, especially in this moment, which requires strategic planning and action on the industry’s shared goal of building a brand-new air traffic control system,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We urge the committee to approve his nomination, and the Senate to swiftly confirm him, so that a permanent leader is in place at the FAA to provide a sharp, consistent focus on the important work ahead.”
Bedford, a pilot with more than three decades’ experience in aviation, serves as CEO of Republic Airways. He previously led Mesaba Airlines and Business Express Airlines. He holds commercial, multi-engine and instrument pilot ratings. Bedford earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida State University.
“Bedford’s extensive experience in airline operations and executive leadership makes him well-equipped to lead the Federal Aviation Administration,” said Greg Pecoraro, NASAO President and CEO. “The FAA needs a confirmed administrator to driving meaningful and lasting change as the agency confronts ongoing challenges to efficiency, modernization, and safety oversight. NASAO urges the Senate to quickly confirm Bedford’s nomination as the next FAA Administrator.”
The Senate’s consideration of Bedford’s nomination comes in the midst of recent, significant actions taken by Washington policy leaders on ATC modernization.
In May, the U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled a plan, supported by NBAA and more than 50 other industry groups, to implement needed upgrades to ATC technologies, enhance connectivity and accelerate the recruitment and training of air traffic controllers.
Also last month, the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed NBAA-supported provisions in a budget reconciliation package including $12.5 billion to fund ATC projects over the next four years, including the replacement of aging radar systems, control towers and terminal radar approach facilities, as well as expanded controller recruitment and training.
