FAA chief Mike Whitaker announces that he will step down in January

Source: NPR

December 12, 2024 11:35 AM ET


WASHINGTON, D.C. — The head of the Federal Aviation Administration, Mike Whitaker, announced in an email to the agency's staff that he will resign on Jan. 20.

Whitaker's time at the FAA has been largely dominated by Boeing, as he led the agency's response to major safety and quality problems at the company and its suppliers. He also worked to hire more air traffic controllers, a persistent challenge as the FAA remains far short of full staffing in that area.

As I conclude my time at the FAA, my confidence in you to meet our safety mission has never been stronger," Whitaker wrote in his email to staff. "This past year, air travel rebounded to near record highs but cancellations were at record lows — a testament to your excellence and dedication."

Whitaker has served as head of the FAA since October of last year, when he was confirmed for a five-year term. It's not unusual for FAA administrators to resign at the change of administration, though some have stayed longer. When Whitaker took over, the agency had not had a Senate-confirmed leader in more than 18 months. And there was mounting concern about a series of close calls on runways at major airports across the country.

Read more: https://www.npr.org/2024/12/12/nx-s1-5226796/faa-head-resign-mike-whitaker-january-boeing