Overview

• John DeLeeuw serves as American Airlines’ managing director of safety and efficiency and is a Boeing 787 captain.
• He was nominated to complete the term previously held by Alvin Brown, who was removed in May and is challenging that action in federal court.
• NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy endorsed the pick, calling DeLeeuw an excellent addition if confirmed.
• The nomination must pass Senate Commerce Committee review and a full Senate vote, and the court ruling on Brown’s case could complicate seating a replacement.
• The move follows heightened aviation-safety concerns after a deadly Jan. 29 midair collision and other close calls, and coincides with Trump’s nominations of Michelle Schultz and Richard Kloster to the Surface Transportation Board.