The Experimental Aircraft Association released comments on Bryan Bedford’s nomination by President Donald Trump to be the next Administrator of the FAA. He is currently the CEO of Republic Airways and has over thirty years of experience in the airline industry with the last twenty-five of those being at Republic. Bedford’s nomination is subject to approval by the U.S. Senate
“EAA congratulates Bryan Bedford on his nomination as FAA administrator and looks forward to his Senate confirmation hearing and the opportunity to work with him on behalf of the general aviation community,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA’s CEO and Chairman of the Board. “General aviation is enjoying one of its safest periods in history while encompassing a wide range of activities, due in large part to the cooperation between the FAA and industry associations such as EAA. If confirmed, we look forward to welcoming him to AirVenture 2025 to experience the entire spectrum of general aviation."
Bedford is originally from Florida and attended Florida State University where he received a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance. He holds commercial and multi-engine certificates and is instrument rated.
Early in his career Bedford was a financial controller for WestAir Commuter Airlines and became CFO for Phoenix Airline Services in 1993 and the same year he was a principal in Chicago Express Airline’s regional service.
In 1995 Bedford was named President and CEO of Mesaba Airlines, and in 1999 became President, Chairman, and Chief Executive of Chautauqua Airlines where he served after the attacks on September 11, 2001.
In 1999 Bedford had become President ant Chief Executive of Republic Airways Holdings and was named Chairman in 2001. In 2009 Republic won a bankruptcy auction for Frontier Airlines. He has served as President and CEO of Republic until the present.
