On May 15, President Obama announced his intent to nominate Michael Whitaker, a former aviation industry executive, to serve as the FAA’s deputy administrator. Because the position does not require Senate confirmation, Whitaker’s service will become effective upon the president’s official nomination.

Whitaker most recently served as a board member and business development consultant for InterGlobe Enterprises from 2011 to 2012 following two years as the group’s CEO. Whitaker worked for United Airlines from 1994 to 2009, most recently as senior vice president for alliances, international, and regulatory affairs. He also spent time at Trans World Airlines from 1991 to 1994 as assistant general counsel for regulatory and international affairs.

The FAA has been without a deputy administrator since 2011, when now-Administrator Michael Huerta was promoted following the resignation of former Administrator Randy Babbitt.

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