The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Bryan Bedford as FAA administrator, putting a former airline executive in charge of the agency responsible for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the nation's air travel.

A fter months of anticipation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) now has a permanent leader. On Wednesday, the US Senate confirmed President Donald Trump's nominee and former Republic Airways CEO, Bryan Bedford, as the new FAA administrator.

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Senate’s July 9 confirmation of long-time regional airline executive Bryan Bedford as the next FAA Administrator is drawing both praise and opposition from industry stakeholders and members of Congress. Bedford, who serves as CEO of Republic Airways Holdings, was nominated by the...