FAA has a New Boss

The FAA finally has a full-time leader. Randy Babbitt, a former president of the Air Line Pilots Association, has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the next FAA administrator. Two of Babbitt's most pressing tasks will be to resolve the labor dispute involving the nation’s air traffic controllers and to secure a funding steam for long-held plans to revamp the nation's air-traffic management system, a project known as NextGen. The Air Transport Association of America (ATA) applauds Randy Babbitt’s confirmation as the next FAA boss. “We heartily congratulate Randy Babbitt on his confirmation and look forward to working with him and Department of Transportation Secretary LaHood in moving to rapidly implement the overdue modernization of our country’s air traffic management system. With the right leadership, we know we can begin to see real benefits from NowGen/NextGen within a few years,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May. “Babbitt’s deep understanding of aviation matters and his willingness to tackle these issues head-on will enable the United States to continue to operate the safest – and become the most efficient – system of transportation in the world, and foster a healthy and competitive airline industry,” he added. AIA President and CEO Marion Blakey said “we are delighted that the Senate has unanimously confirmed Randy Babbitt as FAA Administrator. With years of aviation experience as a pilot, labor negotiator and safety expert, he will make an excellent administrator. Mr. Babbitt has said that modernization of the air transportation system is a priority and we know that he will hit the ground running on this important issue.”