“As the former President and CEO of Republic Airways, Mesaba Airlines, and Business Express Airlines, Brian brings over three decades of experience in Aviation and Executive Leadership to this critical position. Bryan will work with our GREAT Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, to strongly reform the Agency, safeguard our exports, and ensure the safety of nearly one billion annual passenger movements. Congratulations Bryan!” Trump wrote.

The lack of a confirmed FAA head has come under heavy scrutiny, particularly after the Jan. 29 collision of a civilian airliner and Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C., which killed 67 people. The crash was the deadliest U.S. commercial plane crash since 2009.

FEDERAL WORKERS ORDERED TO RETURN TO WORK TO FIND THEMSELVES OFFICELESS

The U.S. air travel industry has been struggling with a shortage of air traffic controllers and outdated technology.

Bedford is a respected figure in the airline industry, having transformed Republic Airways from a carrier with just $90 million in revenue in 1999 to one with more than $1.2 billion in 2016, the New York Times reported.