The US senate has confirmed that former Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford will head the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on July 9, 2025.
The senate voted 53 to 43 to approve the appointment of the long-time airline chief executive, who will retain the position for a five-year term.
Last week Republic Airways confirmed the retirement of Bedford, after more than 25 years leading the airline.
US President Donald Trump tapped Bedford to serve as the next FAA administrator in March. Republicans and players in the industry had commended the nomination, citing Bedford's experience as a regional airline CEO.
However, his nomination faced some opposition from Democrats.
Washington State senator, Maria Cantwell, the panel's top Democrat, voting against advancing Bedford's nomination out of committee. She said that Bedford has a “willingness to reduce safety policies”, such as reducing pilot training hours and considering single pilot cockpits.
In 2022, under Bedford's leadership, Republic Airways requested an exemption from the 1500-hour rule for its pilots, proposing a reduction to 750 flying hours if certain additional requirements were met. The FAA ultimately rejected this petition.
Bedford will now be responsible for overseeing the distribution of $12.5bn allocated to the FAA as part of President Trump's ‘big beautiful bill’ announced last week. This funding aims to facilitate the modernisation of the country's air traffic control (ATC) systems.
He will also have the responsibility of evaluating as to whether Boeing can lift its production cap for 737 MAX aircraft from 38 per month.
Bedford will succeed Chris Rocheleau, who has undertaken the role of acting FAA Administrator since Mike Whitaker resigned from the position in January, following President Trump's re-election to office.