WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed Bryan Bedford to lead the Federal Aviation Administration, putting him in charge of the federal agency at a precarious time for the airline industry after recent accidents, including the January collision near Washington, D.C. that killed 67 people.

Bryan Bedford, CEO of the regional airline Republic Airways, has been confirmed to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The appointment puts Bedford in charge of the FAA at a time when the airline industry must sure up operations after a string of high-profile plane crashes, including a January incident that killed 67 people.