FAA Unveils Major Overhaul: Will Consolidate All Safety Oversight into One New Office

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is undergoing a major organizational overhaul. This restructuring is the largest in the agency's history. The goal is to enhance safety and embrace innovation. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford announced the plan. The announcement came on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Consolidating Safety Oversight

The most significant change is the creation of a new safety oversight office. This new office will unify safety functions. It will implement a single, agency-wide Safety Management System (SMS). This move aims to replace different safety metrics that were previously siloed. The new structure will allow safety data to be shared more freely. This single risk management strategy is designed to strengthen the FAA's safety foundation.

The restructuring was supported by the 2024 FAA Reauthorization. This legislation provided an unprecedented $12.5 billion down payment. These funds are specifically for modernizing the nation's skies.

Broader Modernization Efforts

Beyond safety, the overhaul introduces other key offices. A new Airspace Modernization office will be launched. Its focus is on accelerating the installation of a brand-new air traffic control system. The agency is also establishing an Advanced Aviation Technologies office. This group will oversee the integration of new vehicles. This includes drones, eVTOLs, and other advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft.

Other changes involve administrative consolidation. The management of finance, IT, and human resource divisions will be consolidated. These functions will now report directly under the Administrator. This is intended to streamline operations and increase efficiency. The Department of Transportation (DOT) confirmed the restructuring will not result in workforce reductions.

Industry Impact and Strategy

The new structure is part of the agency's "Flight Plan 2026." This strategy focuses on three main pillars:

• People: Investing in the FAA workforce.
• Safety: Strengthening the core safety foundation.
• NAS Modernization: Updating the National Airspace System.

For the aviation industry, the move signals a shift. Airlines and manufacturers can expect a more unified regulatory approach. The single SMS should improve consistency in oversight. The focus on AAM and Airspace Modernization is critical. It prepares the U.S. for future air travel technologies. This is a major step toward maintaining the U.S. as the global standard for aviation safety.

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