Overview

• Michael Whitaker has been unanimously confirmed as the new FAA Administrator, following a Senate confirmation vote of 98-0.
• The FAA has been without permanent leadership for over 18 months, during which it relied on a series of acting chiefs.
• Whitaker's priority will be to tackle urgent issues including a shortage of air traffic controllers, near-miss incidents on runways, and an aging technological infrastructure.
• Apart from his previous service as deputy FAA administrator, Whitaker's experience in the aviation industry includes a 15-year tenure at United Airlines and a stint as COO of Supernal – a Hyundai subsidiary developing electric air mobility vehicles.
• The FAA is currently dealing with a staffing shortage of air traffic controllers, a factor contributing to operational disruptions and delays for air travelers.
• The agency is also facing the challenge of modernizing its aging technology, amidst increasing air traffic and the emergence of new categories of aviation like drones and electric air taxis.