Huerta confirmed to helm FAA
Michael Huerta, the Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration has been confirmed as Administrator by the U.S. Senate.
Huerta stepped in as Acting Administrator in December 2011, after the arrest for drunken driving (charges were later dismissed) and subsequent resignation of then-Administrator, Randy Babbitt.
Huerta, who was nominated to the five-year position by President Barack Obama last year, initially faced opposition in the Senate in July prior to the confirmation. Senator Jim DeMint, R-S.C. was one of Huerta’s strongest opponents, questioning his nomination primarily on account of his views on labor relations. That opposition faded after DeMint’s resignation from the Senate for the Heritage Foundation upon President Obama’s re-election.
Airlines for America (A4A) was one of the many organizations voicing approval. The trade organization issued a public statement on January 1, applauding the confirmation, citing Huerta’s "commitment to safety and improved efficiency of our nation’s airspace and a clear grasp of the imperatives of NextGen" as key reasons why he is "the right choice to continue leading the FAA."
NextGen is the aviation industry’s upgrade to satellite-based navigation and tracking systems. Michael Huerta is widely seen as the FAA’s point-man on the project.
Gretchen Kelly
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026