The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Whitaker (pictured) announced on Thursday that he will step down from the post on January 20, when US President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office.

"You have seen leadership come and go – and through every transition you have kept air travel steady and safe. This transition will be no different," Whitaker, who was confirmed to serve a five-year term in October 2023, said in a letter to staff, published by the agency's press service.

Trump has not yet revealed his pick for the next FAA chief.