Mike Whitaker, current administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), announced that he will conclude his term on January 20, 2025, marking the end of his tenure leading the agency responsible for the world’s most complex airspace. Whitaker’s departure will coincide with Donald Trump’s inauguration as President of the United States.

In his farewell message to the FAA team, Whitaker stated that holding this position has been «the honor of his life.» He highlighted the progress achieved during his administration, including record levels of air safety, the implementation of new regulations for vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and a stricter focus on oversight of manufacturers such as Boeing.

Whitaker assumed the role on October 27, 2023, after being nominated by President Joe Biden and unanimously confirmed by the Senate. His administration was marked by a focus on modernization and preparing U.S. airspace for future challenges.

A career dedicated to aviation

Born on June 21, 1961, in San Antonio, Texas, Whitaker has an outstanding career in the aviation industry. He graduated in Political Science and French from the University of Louisville and earned a Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center.

He began his career at Trans World Airlines (TWA) and later moved to United Airlines, where he held various strategic leadership roles between 1988 and 2003. Subsequently, he served as CEO of the InterGlobe Enterprises group, managing operations for IndiGo, India’s largest airline.

In the public sector, Whitaker served as Deputy Administrator and Director of NextGen at the FAA from 2013 to 2016, leading the modernization of the air traffic control system. Before returning to the FAA as administrator, he was Chief Operating Officer at Supernal, an advanced air mobility company under the Hyundai Group.

During his tenure as administrator, Whitaker prioritized the safety of U.S. airspace, surpassing air traffic controller hiring goals and strengthening industry regulations. In his farewell letter, he highlighted the FAA team’s stability amidst leadership changes, ensuring a smooth transition under the interim leadership of Mark House, the current Assistant Administrator for Finance and Management, who will leave his position 10 days before the presidential transition.