FAA Administrator

Bryan Bedford was sworn in as FAA Administrator in July 2025. He leads a workforce of more than 40,000 employees dedicated to the FAA’s mission to provide the safe and efficient operation of the largest and most complex aerospace system in the world.  

An aviation industry veteran for more than 35 years, Bedford has a proven track record of safe operations, executive leadership and innovation.  

Bedford previously served as president and chief executive officer of Republic Airways. During his 26 years at the helm of Republic, the airline grew from $85 million in revenues and 36 turboprop aircraft to more than $3 billion in revenues and an operating fleet of more than 250 jets, while maintaining a perfect passenger safety record.  

In 2018, Bedford led Republic in launching the visionary LIFT Academy, the first airline-owned training academy. As the cutting-edge program began to equip pilots with the skills they need to succeed, LIFT added an aviation maintenance training program.  

Bedford’s previous jobs include president and chief executive of Mesaba Airlines, president and chief executive officer of Business Express Airlines, chief financial officer of Phoenix Airline Services, and chief financial officer for West Air Airlines.  

Bedford has served as chairman of the Regional Airline Association for multiple terms. He was named Airline Executive of the Year in 1997, 2004, and 2009, and holds a multi-engine, instrumented-rated private pilot license.  

Bedford graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in finance and accounting.