Why It Matters: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lacks permanent leadership.
In the wake of Phillip A. Washington’s withdrawal from consideration for the position in March, President Biden has designated Polly Trottenberg as the FAA’s acting administrator. Washington was the CEO of Denver International Airport and had trouble garnering Republican support to be confirmed. Stepping down in 2022, former Delta Air Lines executive Stephen Dickson was the last permanent administrator of the FAA. Trottenberg, who was Mayor Bill de Blasio’s transportation commissioner in New York City from 2014 to 2020, previously served as the Department of Transportation’s under secretary for policy under the Obama administration.
Mr. Nolen, the previous interim administrator, announced his plans to step down in April, and the new acting administrator’s appointment, effective immediately, was announced shortly thereafter. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed his confidence in Trottenberg’s abilities during the search for a permanent administrator.
Trottenberg will be assuming the FAA’s leadership amidst a turbulent time for both the agency and the US air travel system. Pilots have narrowly avoided collisions at airports around the country several times in the past year, and travelers have endured a host of delays and cancellations. Flights were grounded nationwide in January when a critical FAA system experienced issues. This year is also critical for the FAA because of a September 30th deadline requiring Congress to reauthorize the agency.
Background: Trottenberg is a transportation veteran.
Trottenberg served as the Department of Transportation’s second-ranking official for much of the Biden administration, a challenging time for relations between US airlines and the federal government. Secretary Buttigieg has called upon airlines to provide better customer service, such as waiving extra fees for families needing to sit together during travel. At the same time, airlines have expressed concern about air traffic controller shortages and what they view as unfair competition from select Middle Eastern and Asian airlines on long-haul routes.
Trottenberg has previously held several high-ranking transportation positions, including serving as an assistant secretary and under secretary for policy under the Obama administration. She has also worked as a Senate aide and is known for expanding bus and bike lanes in her position as New York City’s transportation commissioner.
What’s Next: Biden needs a new nominee.
It is unclear how long Trottenberg will serve as the FAA’s acting administrator. Biden has not stated when he plans to nominate someone for the permanent position, and the White House has yet to comment on future plans.
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