Bryan Bedford has been confirmed as the new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administrator, prompting a statement of praise from United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby.

United Airlines CEO Applauds New FAA Administrator

Bryan Bedford has served as CEO of Republic Airways Holdings since 1999 and was recently tapped by the Trump administration to lead the FAA. Bedford ran into trouble with Senate Democrats during his confirmation hearing because of his history of advocating for exceptions to an FAA requirement that pilots log at least 1,500 hours of training before they could operate commercial jets. He did not disavow that position during his confirmation hearings.

On July 9, 2025, the US Senate voted 53-43 to confirm him to the position of FAA administrator. Kirby issued the following statement yesterday after Bedford’s confirmation:

Congrats to Bryan Bedford on being confirmed as the next FAA administrator.

He has spent his entire career as a builder. I’ve worked with Bryan for 25 years and know that he is the right person to lead the FAA at this critical time and will ensure the United States maintains the safest and most advanced airspace in the world. I am looking forward to working with Administrator Bedford to implement President Trump and Secretary Duffy’s plan to reinvent and strengthen our nation’s air traffic control system so that air travel is more efficient and reliable for all Americans.

It’s essential that we continue to collaborate to improve controller staffing, update FAA technology, and strengthen EWR operations.

Notice that Kirby’s charm offensive with the Trump Administration continues, even with this statement.

Republic Airways operates service for American Airlines (as American Eagle), Delta Air Lines (as Delta Connection), and United Airlines (as United Express) using a fleet of Embraer E170 and Embraer E175 regional jets. In his role as President at American Airlines and President (then CEO) at United Airlines, Kirby has worked closely with Bedford.

Bedford will move into his new role in the days ahead, with acting director Chris Rocheleau moving into the deputy administrator role.

The powerful Air Line Pilots Association union also congratulated Bedford on his confirmation, but did address “rigorous training requirements” for pilots:

“We have concerns about his past efforts to lower pilot training requirements, and we will continue to bring the line pilot’s perspective to any discussions about changing these life-saving measures and hold him to his word that safety is his top priority. Maintaining rigorous training requirements and keeping two pilots on the flight deck at all times remain top priorities for ALPA.”

David Grizzle takes over as CEO of Republic Airways Holdings.

CONCLUSION

Bryan Bedford is the new FAA Administrator after being confirmed by a party-line vote in the Senate. He brings more than two decades of running Republic Airways Holdings to his job, with ambitious plans to modernize the federal agency and upgrade air traffic control systems.

Kirby has praised the confirmation of an administrator he sees as an ally.

image: Republic Airways