The Federal Aviation Administration tapped WestJet airline safety executive Billy Nolen to lead the agency’s aviation safety functions and oversight.
Nolen was most recently VP for safety, security and quality at Canada’s WestJet. He joins the FAA next year in a role with responsibility for more than 7,600 FAA employees.
Nolen also worked at Airlines for America and Qantas.
He replaces Ali Bahrami, who stepped down in June after major criticism of the agency’s role in the Boeing 737 Max fallout and its relationship with Boeing.
“He understands aviation safety, and that our journey requires constant vigilance and continuous improvement,” FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said of Nolen.