S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford announced a long overdue overhaul of the FAA's organizational structure on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
The comprehensive re-organization includes the creation of a new safety oversight office to implement a single safety management system (SMS) and risk management strategy for the entire FAA. This change aims to streamline the bureaucracy, encourage innovation, and deliver a new air traffic control system at a faster pace while enhancing safety. The restructuring will not result in reductions in force.
The plan is built on three pillars: people, safety, and NAS modernization, reflecting the FAA's commitment to strengthen its safety foundation, modernize the National Airspace System (NAS), and invest in the people who make the FAA the global standard of aviation safety and efficiency. 5 billion down payment from President Trump and Congress, the FAA is poised to implement critical organizational changes. The new structure will be well positioned to meet aviation's current challenges and future opportunities.
The comprehensive re-organization includes key changes such as implementing Flight Plan 2026, which positions the FAA to meet aviation's current challenges and future opportunities. The plan aims to strengthen the safety foundation, modernize the NAS, and invest in the people who make the FAA the global standard of aviation safety and efficiency. With these critical organizational changes, the FAA can streamline the bureaucracy, encourage innovation, and deliver a new air traffic control system at the speed of Trump while enhancing safety.
The restructuring will put permanent leaders in place who embrace innovation, share safety data and insights freely, and are focused on deploying a brand-new air traffic control system all while integrating key innovation technologies into the new National Airspace System (NAS).