Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, dhubbard@nbaa.org
Washington, DC, June 11, 2025 – On the heels of a key Senate committee hearing today, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) called upon lawmakers to move forward on the nomination of Bryan Bedford as the next permanent administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Bedford appeared today before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, which is considering his nomination as FAA administrator. The committee must now consider whether to approve the nomination, and forward it to the full Senate for a final vote of confirmation.
“Bryan Bedford’s organizational leadership, aviation expertise and proven track record of innovation make him an outstanding choice to lead the FAA, especially in this moment, which requires strategic planning and action on the industry’s shared goal of building a brand-new air traffic control system,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We urge the committee to approve his nomination, and the Senate to swiftly confirm him, so that a permanent leader is in place at the FAA to provide a sharp, consistent focus on the important work ahead.”
Bedford, a pilot with more than three decades’ experience in aviation, serves as CEO of Republic Airways. He previously led Mesaba Airlines and Business Express Airlines. He holds commercial, multi-engine and instrument pilot ratings. Bedford earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida State University.
The Senate’s consideration of Bedford’s nomination comes in the midst of recent, significant actions taken by Washington policy leaders on ATC modernization.
In May, the U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled a plan, supported by NBAA and more than 50 other industry groups, to implement needed upgrades to ATC technologies, enhance connectivity and accelerate the recruitment and training of air traffic controllers.
Also last month, the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed NBAA-supported provisions in a budget reconciliation package including $12.5 billion to fund ATC projects over the next four years, including the replacement of aging radar systems, control towers and terminal radar approach facilities, as well as expanded controller recruitment and training.
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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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