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Travel Weekly
09-07-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Bryan Bedford confirmed as FAA administrator
The Senate has confirmed Bryan Bedford as FAA administrator. The vote followed party lines, with all 53 Senate Republicans supporting Bedford and the 43 Democrats who voted opposing him. Bryan Bedford Bedford led regional carrier Republic Airways from 1999 until this year. Republic, which operates flights for the American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express brands, is the second-largest U.S. regional airline, behind SkyWest. In remarks during Bedford's Senate Transportation Committee confirmation hearing on June 11, committee chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) lauded the executive for his development of Republic's innovative Lift pilot training academy in 2018, and he also praised Bedford for his endorsement as Republic CEO of alternatives to the 1,500-hour flight training rule that applies to new commercial airline pilots in the U.S. In 2022, Republic applied for permission from the FAA for Lift students who completed a flight training program specifically tailored for airline flying to be able to co-pilot a commercial flight after 750 hours. Opponents of the 1,500-hour rule say it replaces tailored training with rote flying, often of small aircraft that aren't similar to commercial jets. Proponents say the 1,500-hour threshold, which went into effect in 2013, has made U.S. commercial flying safer by amping up the experience of incoming pilots. Bedford's history on the highly politicized rule was a primary factor for Democrats' unanimous opposition to his nomination. In a statement released Tuesday, the top transportation committee Democrat Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) cited Bedford's refusal during the June 9 hearing to commit to not weakening the 1,500-hour rule as a reason she would vote no. Bedford replaces acting FAA administrator Chris Rocheleau, who Trump appointed in January. The agency's last confirmed administrator was Michael Whitaker, who stepped down ahead of Trump's inauguration.
Washington Post
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Senate confirms new FAA administrator at a time of rising concern about air safety
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed Bryan Bedford to lead the Federal Aviation Administration, putting him in charge of the federal agency at a precarious time for the airline industry after recent accidents , including the January collision near Washington, D.C. that killed 67 people. Bedford was confirmed on a near party-line vote, 53-43. Republicans and industry leaders lauded President Donald Trump's choice of Bedford, citing his experience as CEO of regional airline Republic Airways since 1999. Sen. Ted Cruz , the chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, called Bedford a 'steady leader with executive experience.' But Democrats and flight safety advocates opposed his nomination, citing Bedford's lack of commitment to the 1,500-hour training requirement for pilots that was put in place by Congress after a 2009 plane crash in New York. Bedford declined during his confirmation hearing to commit to upholding a rule requiring 1,500 hours of training for pilots, saying only that he would not 'have anything that will reduce safety.' Sen. Maria Cantwell , the top Democrat on the Commerce panel, accused Bedford of wanting 'to roll back safety reforms and unravel the regulatory framework that made the United States the gold standard' in aviation safety. Congress implemented the 1,500-hour rule for pilot training and other safety precautions after the 2009 Colgan Air crash near Buffalo, New York. In that flight, the pilot had not been trained on how to recover from a stall in the aircraft . His actions caused the plane carrying 49 people to fall from the sky and crash into a house, where another man was killed. Families of the victims of the Colgan crash pushed for the stricter training requirements and remain vocal advocates for airline safety. They joined Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol to express concern about Bedford's nomination. Marilyn Kausner, the mother of a passenger on the 3407 flight, said she and other families requested a meeting with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy after Bedford's confirmation hearing. Her husband, she said, was 'discouraged' after hearing what Bedford had to say at his hearing. Pilot Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, made famous for safely landing a plane in the Hudson River, also opposed Trump's pick, posting on social media that 'with the nomination of Bryan Bedford to be FAA Administrator, my life's work could be undone.' Republican Sen. Todd Young , who is also on the committee, called the 1,500-hour rule an 'emotional topic' but maintained that Bedford's approach to safety is clearly 'analytical,' prioritizing what 'we ascertain leads to the best safety for passengers.' 'All you have to do is look at his credentials and his testimony to be persuaded that he's the right person for the job,' Young said. Bedford has support from much of the industry. The air traffic controllers union noted his commitment to modernize the outdated system. Airlines for America, a trade association for major airlines, called Bedford a 'superb choice.' And United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said, having worked with Bedford, he had 'total confidence in his ability to lead the FAA.'
Skift
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Skift
Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford Confirmed to Lead FAA in Divisive Senate Vote
Bedford's confirmation for FAA administrator was unusually partisan as key Democrats expressed concerns with his stances on pilot training. The Senate confirmed Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford as FAA administrator on Wednesday in a vote marked by rare partisan division, as concerns over pilot training standards and aviation safety dominated the debate. Bedford was confirmed mostly along party lines by a vote of 53-43. The confirmation vote for FAA administrator was unusually partisan as key Democrats vowed to not support Bedford after he refused to commit to upholding the 1,500-hour rule when asked during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on June 11. New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen was the only Democrat to vote in favor of Bedford. Congress instituted the 1,500-hour training requirement rule for pilots to operate a commercial aircraft following the fatal 2009 Colgan Air cr
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Senate confirms new FAA administrator at a time of rising concern about air safety
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed Bryan Bedford to lead the Federal Aviation Administration, putting him in charge of the federal agency at a precarious time for the airline industry after recent accidents, including the January collision near Washington, D.C. that killed 67 people. Bedford was confirmed on a near party-line vote, 53-43. Republicans and industry leaders lauded President Donald Trump's choice of Bedford, citing his experience as CEO of regional airline Republic Airways since 1999. Sen. Ted Cruz, the chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, called Bedford a 'steady leader with executive experience.' But Democrats and flight safety advocates opposed his nomination, citing Bedford's lack of commitment to the 1,500-hour training requirement for pilots that was put in place by Congress after a 2009 plane crash near Buffalo. Bedford declined during his confirmation hearing to commit to upholding a rule requiring 1,500 hours of training for pilots, saying only that he would not 'have anything that will reduce safety.' Sen. Maria Cantwell, the top Democrat on the Commerce panel, accused Bedford of wanting 'to roll back safety reforms and unravel the regulatory framework that made the United States the gold standard' in aviation safety. Congress implemented the 1,500-hour rule for pilot training and other safety precautions after the 2009 Colgan Air crash in Buffalo, New York. In that flight, the pilot had not been trained on how to recover from a stall in the aircraft. His actions caused the plane carrying 49 people to fall from the sky and crash into a house, where another man was killed. Families of the victims of the Colgan crash pushed for the the stricter training requirements and remain vocal advocates for airline safety. They joined Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol to express concern about Bedford's nomination. Marilyn Kausner, the mother of a passenger on the 3407 flight, said she and other families requested a meeting with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy after Bedford's confirmation hearing. Her husband, she said, was 'discouraged' after hearing what Bedford had to say at his hearing Pilot Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, made famous for safely landing a plane in the Hudson River, also opposed Trump's pick, posting on social media that 'with the nomination of Bryan Bedford to be FAA Administration, my life's work could be undone.' Republican Sen. Todd Young, who is also on the committee, called the 1,500-hour rule an 'emotional topic' but maintained that Bedford's approach to safety is clearly 'analytical,' prioritizing what 'we ascertain leads to the best safety for passengers.' 'All you have to do is look at his credentials and his testimony to be persuaded that he's the right person for the job,' Young said. Bedford has support from much of the industry. The air traffic controllers union noted his commitment to modernize the outdated system. Airlines for America, a trade association for major airlines, called Bedford a 'superb choice.' And United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said, having worked with Bedford, he had 'total confidence in his ability to lead the FAA.' Leah Askarinam, The Associated Press Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
The Independent
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Senate confirms new FAA administrator at a time of rising concern about air safety
The U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed Bryan Bedford to lead the Federal Aviation Administration, putting him in charge of the federal agency at a precarious time for the airline industry after recent accidents, including the January collision near Washington, D.C. that killed 67 people. Bedford was confirmed on a near party-line vote, 53-43. Republicans and industry leaders lauded President Donald Trump 's choice of Bedford, citing his experience as CEO of regional airline Republic Airways since 1999. Sen. Ted Cruz, the chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, called Bedford a 'steady leader with executive experience.' But Democrats and flight safety advocates opposed his nomination, citing Bedford's lack of commitment to the 1,500-hour training requirement for pilots that was put in place by Congress after a 2009 plane crash near Buffalo. Bedford declined during his confirmation hearing to commit to upholding a rule requiring 1,500 hours of training for pilots, saying only that he would not 'have anything that will reduce safety.' Sen. Maria Cantwell, the top Democrat on the Commerce panel, accused Bedford of wanting 'to roll back safety reforms and unravel the regulatory framework that made the United States the gold standard' in aviation safety. Congress implemented the 1,500-hour rule for pilot training and other safety precautions after the 2009 Colgan Air crash in Buffalo, New York. In that flight, the pilot had not been trained on how to recover from a stall in the aircraft. His actions caused the plane carrying 49 people to fall from the sky and crash into a house, where another man was killed. Families of the victims of the Colgan crash pushed for the the stricter training requirements and remain vocal advocates for airline safety. They joined Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol to express concern about Bedford's nomination. Marilyn Kausner, the mother of a passenger on the 3407 flight, said she and other families requested a meeting with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy after Bedford's confirmation hearing. Her husband, she said, was 'discouraged' after hearing what Bedford had to say at his hearing Pilot Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, made famous for safely landing a plane in the Hudson River, also opposed Trump's pick, posting on social media that 'with the nomination of Bryan Bedford to be FAA Administration, my life's work could be undone.' Republican Sen. Todd Young, who is also on the committee, called the 1,500-hour rule an 'emotional topic' but maintained that Bedford's approach to safety is clearly 'analytical,' prioritizing what 'we ascertain leads to the best safety for passengers.' 'All you have to do is look at his credentials and his testimony to be persuaded that he's the right person for the job,' Young said. Bedford has support from much of the industry. The air traffic controllers union noted his commitment to modernize the outdated system. Airlines for America, a trade association for major airlines, called Bedford a 'superb choice.' And United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said, having worked with Bedford, he had 'total confidence in his ability to lead the FAA.'
