President Joe Biden has nominated Michael G. Whitaker to serve as the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Whitaker, currently the Chief Operating Officer of Supernal, a Hyundai Motor Group company focused on designing electric advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles, brings a wealth of experience to the role.
Whitaker previously served as the Deputy Administrator at the FAA from 2013 to 2016, during which time he played a pivotal role in advancing the transition of the nation's air traffic control system from radar to satellite-enabled surveillance technology (ADS-B). This transition marked a significant milestone in modernizing air traffic control operations in the United States.
Before his tenure at Supernal and the FAA, Whitaker served as the Group CEO of InterGlobe Enterprises, India's largest travel conglomerate, and the operator of the highly successful airline IndiGo. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing strategy and operations for four affiliate travel companies.
Whitaker also boasts a 15-year career at United Airlines, where he held various roles, including Director, Vice President, and Senior Vice President. His responsibilities at the airline encompassed commercial alliances and joint ventures, international and regulatory affairs, and providing strategic counsel to the Chairman and CEO on international matters.
Having begun his aviation career as a litigator, Whitaker subsequently served as the Assistant General Counsel of international and regulatory affairs at Trans World Airlines (TWA). He holds a juris doctorate degree from Georgetown University Law Center and is a private pilot.
Furthermore, Whitaker contributes to aviation safety globally by serving on the board of the Flight Safety Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting aviation safety.
If confirmed by the Senate, Michael G. Whitaker will play a key role in overseeing and regulating the aviation industry in the United States, ensuring its safety, efficiency, and continued growth.
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