**Bryan Bedford** is an aviation industry executive who currently serves as **Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)**.[7] He was confirmed to this position over the summer of 2025 after being nominated by President Donald Trump.[2] Bedford brings more than 35 years of experience in the airline industry to his role.[7] He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from Florida State University and holds commercial, multi-engine, and instrument pilot ratings.[3][5] He is also a certified public accountant.[5] Throughout his career, Bedford has held leadership positions at several major airlines. He served as president and CEO of Mesaba Airlines and Business Express Airlines before joining **Republic Airways in July 1999 as president and CEO**, a position he maintained for 26 years until his FAA appointment.[1][7] Under his leadership, Republic Airways experienced dramatic growth, expanding from $85 million in revenues and 36 turboprop aircraft to more than $1.3 billion in revenues and nearly 200 E-Jet aircraft.[3][5] The airline now operates approximately 900 daily flights across the U.S. and Canada.[3] Bedford's achievements in the airline industry have been widely recognized. He was named Airline Executive of the Year by Regional Airline World in 1997 and 2004, and received the same honor from Airline Business in 2009.[3][5] He also appeared on the television program *Undercover Boss* in 2010 as CEO of Frontier Airlines, announcing plans to end a ten percent pay cut for employees.[1] As FAA Administrator, Bedford faces significant challenges, including overseeing air traffic control modernization and addressing aviation safety concerns following recent incidents.[2][4] He has previously taken positions on controversial aviation issues, including opposing the mandatory 1,500-hour pilot requirement and the mandatory retirement age of 65 for pilots.[1]