FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Matt Dorsey
Phone: 202-550-6987
October 6, 2023
Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) urges the U.S. Senate to confirm President Biden’s pick to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Mike Whitaker. This week, Whitaker testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, answering a range of questions and demonstrating his knowledge regarding air travel.
Whitaker is currently working in the private sector designing autonomous flying taxis, but prior to this position he served as Deputy Administrator at the FAA from 2013 to 2016. A trained pilot, Whitaker has spent over three decades in the aviation industry, including in leadership roles with United Airlines and InterGlobe Enterprises, India’s largest travel conglomerate.
In Wednesday’s hearing, Whitaker signaled support for FAA employees, indicating he would be prepared to guide the agency workers through a potential government shutdown later this year. He also stated that in leading the FAA, he would prioritize expanding the FAA workforce and solving FAA staffing and funding issues.
“The FAA is long overdue for a permanent, qualified administrator,” said Andi Parker, NFFE Local 1340 President. “The vacancy has had a ripple effect across the Agency. Our employees are looking for strong and steady leadership to support the workforce in the maintenance and modernization of the National Airspace System, the safest aviation system in the world. Mr. Whitaker’s decades of aviation experience and role as Deputy Administrator give him the qualifications needed to lead the FAA, and we look forward to working with him.”
“I am confident in Mike Whitaker’s ability to lead the FAA,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “Our union members are dedicated to ensuring safe air travel across the U.S. and I have no doubt that Mr. Whitaker shares that same priority. Right now, the FAA is facing several significant issues, but I am positive that Mr. Whitaker is the right person to solve those problems and lead the agency as a global model of professional and safe air travel.”