Bryan Bedford Nominated to Lead FAA After Deadly Crash Raises Safety Concerns

President Trump has selected the Republic Airways CEO to address critical challenges in aviation safety, staffing shortages, and outdated technology.

Bryan Bedford, a seasoned aviation executive with over three decades of experience, has been nominated by President Trump to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Bedford's nomination follows a January 29 mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport that killed 67 people, ending a 16-year streak of no fatal commercial air crashes in the U.S.
The FAA has faced criticism over staffing shortages, outdated air traffic control systems, and recent layoffs, which have heightened scrutiny of the agency's operations.
Bedford has expressed plans to modernize the FAA's air traffic control infrastructure to improve safety and efficiency, pending Senate confirmation of his nomination.
Republican lawmakers and industry leaders have praised Bedford's nomination, citing his leadership skills and extensive experience in the aviation sector.