NATCA Bookshelf

19 C O M M U N I C AT I N G F O R S A F E T Y • 2 0 2 4 Michael Whitaker FAA Administrator Michael G. Whitaker became FAA Administrator in October 2023. He is responsible for helping to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the largest aerospace system in the world. Whitaker served as Deputy Administrator at the FAA from 2013–2016, and was also the Chief NextGen Officer. He was responsible for the implementation of FAA's NextGen modernization of the air traffic control system, moving from radar to a satellite-enabled surveillance technology. Before becoming FAA Administrator, Whitaker was chief operating officer of Supernal, a Hyundai Motor Group company designing an electric advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicle. Prior to Supernal and his tenure at the FAA, Whitaker served as Group CEO of InterGlobe Enterprises, India's largest travel conglomerate and operator of its largest airline, IndiGo. There, he oversaw strategy and operations for four affiliate travel companies. Whitaker also spent 15 years at United Airlines in a variety of roles as Director, Vice President and Senior Vice President. His broad portfolio at the airline included commercial alliances and joint ventures, international and regulatory affairs, and strategic counsel to the Chairman and CEO on international matters. Whitaker began his more than three-decade aviation career as a litigator, then as Assistant General Counsel of international and regulatory affairs at Trans World Airlines (TWA). Whitaker is a private pilot, holds bachelor's degrees in political science and French from the University of Louisville and a juris doctorate degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Speaker Spotlight

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