The Senate has confirmed the acting FAA administrator, Michael Huerta, for the next five years. Unions and industry groups praised the confirmation, which had reportedly been held up by Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., over his concerns about labor policies at the agency.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association said Huerta "has demonstrated strong leadership and sharp focus in collaborating with air traffic controllers and all aviation safety professionals to improve the safety of U.S. aviation."
The National Air Transportation Association called Huerta "an experienced and talented transportation official who has a reputation for managing complex transportation challenges."
Huerta will continue work to implement the FAA’s NextGen modernization initiative in an increasingly constrained budget environment.