WASHINGTON, June 5, 2025 –The following statement is attributable to Airlines for America (A4A):

President Trump made a superb choice in nominating Bryan Bedford to be FAA Administrator. Mr. Bedford has decades of experience in aviation operations, and he leads with a commitment to safety above all else. He intimately understands the importance of a strong working relationship between the FAA and airspace operators of all sizes. His leadership at Republic Airways transformed the company into the flourishing operation it is today, supporting several of A4A’s member carriers. We know Mr. Bedford will work closely with Secretary Duffy to transform America’s aging air traffic control systems, including technology, infrastructure and staffing.

As we continue to remember the Flight 5342 tragedy at DCA and learn from it, we are mindful of what is at stake. Every day, U.S. airlines operate more than 27,000 flights, safely transporting 2.7 million passengers and 61,000 tons of cargo. U.S. passenger and cargo airlines directly employ more than one million workers, and commercial aviation drives five percent of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP).

We urge the Senate Commerce Committee to advance Mr. Bedford’s nomination and the entire Senate to expeditiously confirm him to be our nation’s next FAA Administrator. Our country deserves and needs to have a solid leader in this critical position as soon as possible.