USDOT Unveils Broad Plan for FAA Reorganization

January 30, 2026

The U.S. Department of Transportation has unveiled a plan to overhaul the organizational structure of the Federal Aviation Administration; a restructuring that will not result in reductions in force, USDOT said. 

[Above photo by FAA]

This comprehensive re-organization – which FAA described as “the largest in its history” – includes the creation of a new safety oversight office.

This office, which was supported by Congress in its 2024 reauthorization package for the agency, will implement a single safety management system or SMS and risk management strategy for the entire FAA – helping the agency share safety data more freely internally.

Other key changes include: 

  • Launching an “Airspace Modernization” office to quickly install and maintain a brand-new air traffic control system.
  • Creating a new “Advanced Aviation Technologies” office to oversee the integration of drones, electric vertical take-off and landing or eVTOL aircraft, and other advanced air mobility vehicles into the airspace. 
  • Shifting more key leadership posts to permanent positions.
  • Consolidating the management of finance, information technology, and human resource divisions under the administrator. 

Though Sean Duffy, USDOT secretary, noted in a statement that FAA has received an “unprecedented $12.5 billion down payment to modernize our skies … funding is only one piece of the puzzle,” he stressed.

“With these critical organizational changes, the FAA can streamline the bureaucracy, encourage innovation, and deliver a new air traffic control system – all while enhancing safety,” Duffy said.  

“It’s important that we have the right people in the right places to do the best work possible,” added Bryan Bedford, FAA administrator. “These actions 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.”

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