Senate Unanimously Confirms Michael Whitaker as New FAA Administrator

Whitaker ready to tackle urgent issues including a shortage of air traffic controllers, a series of near-miss incidents and an aging technological infrastructure.

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.