NBAA Welcomes Nomination of Michael Whitaker as Next FAA Administrator

Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, dhubbard@nbaa.org

Washington, DC, Sept. 7, 2023 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today welcomed the Biden administration’s nomination of Michael Whitaker to serve as the next permanent administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Whitaker is an attorney, a longtime aviation industry professional and private pilot, who served as deputy FAA administrator from 2013-2016. In that role, he also led the agency’s air traffic modernization efforts as the Chief NextGen Officer.

Since 2020, Whitaker has worked with Supernal, the advanced air mobility (AAM) subsidiary of Hyundai, currently serving as the company’s chief operating officer.

“Mike Whitaker has long been an outspoken aviation safety advocate and champion of innovation in the industry, who demonstrated during his time as deputy administrator at the FAA that he is a proven leader who delivers results,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We enthusiastically support his confirmation as FAA administrator.”

Whitaker has served in several key industry roles, including as assistant general counsel for TWA and then 15 years with United Airlines, including as senior vice president of alliances, international and regulatory affairs. After leaving United, he was named Group CEO at InterGlobe Enterprises, the holding company for IndiGo, India’s largest airline.

In addition to leading the FAA’s NextGen program while deputy administrator, Whitaker also stood up the agency’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Office, the first FAA organization dedicated to UAS operations in the National Airspace System.

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Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The association represents more than 10,000 company and professional members and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at nbaa.org.

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