President Biden to Nominate Michael Whitaker to Serve as FAA Administrator

September 7, 2023

Today, the White House announced President Biden's intent to nominate Michael Whitaker to serve as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Whitaker is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Supernal, a Hyundai Motor Group company designing an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and formerly served as FAA Deputy Administrator during the Obama Administration. If confirmed, Whitaker would replace Polly Trottenberg, who has been serving as Acting FAA Administrator since early June when Billy Nolen left the agency.

'Mike has broad experience advancing the cause of aviation both inside and outside of government and is highly regarded for his leadership abilities, dedication to the industry, and willingness to tackle difficult challenges,' said AAAE President and CEO Todd Hauptli. 'I am grateful for his willingness to return to government service. Permanent leadership at the agency is long overdue.'

Whitaker has held multiple positions at Supernal since 2020 and began serving as Chief Operating Officer earlier this year. Whitaker served as FAA Deputy Administrator from 2013 to 2016. He also previously led the agency's efforts to implement NextGen. Prior to Supernal and his time at FAA, Whitaker served as Group CEO of Interglobe Enterprises, operator of India's largest airline, IndiGo, and as a former executive at United Airlines for 15 years.

Whitaker's nomination now heads to the Senate, where it will first be considered by the Senate Commerce Committee. The nomination will be welcome news for much of the aviation industry, which has been urging the administration to install a permanent leader since Steve Dickson left the agency in March 2022. If confirmed, Whitaker will have to tackle a range of issues that have been in the spotlight recently, including air traffic disruptions and airline delays and the increase in serious runway incursions and near misses.

While the Senate considers the nomination, we may see another acting leader of FAA before a decision is made. Acting Administrator Polly Trottenberg is expected to step down on October 25 because of a law that prevents Trottenberg, as Deputy Secretary of Transportation, from serving in an acting capacity for a certain period of time. FAA's Deputy Administrator, Katie Thomson, is expected to become the next Acting Administrator if Whitaker is not confirmed before October 25.