Regulatory Alert: FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker to Depart Agency on Inauguration Day
FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker to Depart Agency on Inauguration Day
December 12, 2024
This morning, Michael Whitaker, who has been serving as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) since October 2023, informed his staff that he will depart the agency and resign on Inauguration Day, which is January 20, 2025. In the letter, Whitaker also announced that Katie Thomson, FAA Deputy Administrator, would be departing the agency on January 10, and Mark House, FAA’s current Assistant Administrator for Finance & Management, would step in as Acting Deputy Administrator. Whitaker noted that “Mark has 20 years of executive experience at the FAA, has served on the Management Board since 2018, and is uniquely qualified to guide the FAA and ensure a smooth transition.”
Whitaker was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in October 2023. During his tenure, Whitaker has been focused on addressing safety related challenges, especially since a door panel fell off an Alaskan Airlines Boeing 737 flight early this year, and increasing air traffic control staffing levels. He specifically mentioned both of these initiatives in his letter this morning.
Prior to joining FAA, Whitaker held multiple positions at Supernal between 2020 and 2023. Whitaker served as FAA Deputy Administrator from 2013 to 2016. He also previously led the agency’s efforts to implement NextGen. Prior to Supernal and his first term of service at FAA, Whitaker served as Group CEO of Interglobe Enterprises, operator of India’s largest airline, IndiGo, and as a former executive at United Airlines for 15 years.
December 12, 2024
This morning, Michael Whitaker, who has been serving as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) since October 2023, informed his staff that he will depart the agency and resign on Inauguration Day, which is January 20, 2025. In the letter, Whitaker also announced that Katie Thomson, FAA Deputy Administrator, would be departing the agency on January 10, and Mark House, FAA’s current Assistant Administrator for Finance & Management, would step in as Acting Deputy Administrator. Whitaker noted that “Mark has 20 years of executive experience at the FAA, has served on the Management Board since 2018, and is uniquely qualified to guide the FAA and ensure a smooth transition.”
Whitaker was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in October 2023. During his tenure, Whitaker has been focused on addressing safety related challenges, especially since a door panel fell off an Alaskan Airlines Boeing 737 flight early this year, and increasing air traffic control staffing levels. He specifically mentioned both of these initiatives in his letter this morning.
Prior to joining FAA, Whitaker held multiple positions at Supernal between 2020 and 2023. Whitaker served as FAA Deputy Administrator from 2013 to 2016. He also previously led the agency’s efforts to implement NextGen. Prior to Supernal and his first term of service at FAA, Whitaker served as Group CEO of Interglobe Enterprises, operator of India’s largest airline, IndiGo, and as a former executive at United Airlines for 15 years.
